A Tree Poem

Those mighty trees that spread their arms

were once as tall as you.

And none have felt the sweeping strokes

of what a saw could do.

Yet underneath those street-lined wings,

resplendent in strong wood

arise a row of rural homes

where once their brothers stood.

And though I'll bask in summer shade,

I'll feel a tinge of guilt.

We've lashed with hatchets many down

to yield what we have built.

"Quell those notions of demise,"

I hear an oak tree say.

"Look around at what we've done

and what you have today!"

"The forceful sounds of violins,

the sound of new guitars;

the look and feel of brand-new books,

the storage for memoirs."

Perhaps you're right, old friendly oak,

but this I strongly pray:

that all the trees upon my block

avoid the axe and stay.  

Author's Note

The original picture disappeared. :(

Reviews

[Dave Brown]

I used to be a chainsaw murderer however, as a woodworker, I am now only taking wood that has fallen on its own and I have also done a large amount of replanting
Please forgive me.
The trouble with wood is that it is a wonderful, reusable resource
The reality is that it is partly the trees own fault
Very nicely written piece

[Relic]

I'm familiar with that particular aroma wood gives off when drilling or cutting into it. It does smell good. But I still wish I had my old trees back instead of these mass produced houses. :)

[Dave Brown]

I certainly would not argue with that

[Annette Pisano-Higley]

“We've lashed - with hatchets - many down
to yield what we have built.”

Love the formal, old-world language and feel of this poem, Relic. Magnificent picture with iconic tree and vintage car. Great message, flow, cadence, imagery, rhyme, conversation between man and tree. Great personification used. Sadly, man mindlessly destroys the profundity of living trees for gain, for consumerism. By doing so he robs the earth of beauty, and the air of providers of critical oxygen. So many ecosystems felled with each tree. And much of it needless. You present both sides of the story cleverly. Love this poem and thank you for it.

[Relic]

Thanks for a great review, Annette. :)

[Annette Pisano-Higley]

You are very welcome Relic.🌳🌳🌳

[JE Falcon]

A witty and well written poem. I liked every line and, again, I loved the ending.

[Relic]

I appreciate your comment, JE, thank you. :)

[Unspoken poet]

The forceful sounds of violins,
the sound of new guitars;
The look and feel of brand new books,
the storage for memoirs."

Just plain WOW to this stanza!!
This is amazing Relic, I enjoyed this. you are very poetic.

[Relic]

I appreciate your comment, Poet. Thank you.

[Chris Shaw]

Beautiful poem. My life for sure has been enriched by the gift of trees. I love them. They speak to me and they provide so much for us. Leave them alone. A felled tree is one too many as far as I am concerned.

Chris

[Relic]

I feel the same, Chris. Thank you.

[Betty Hermelee]

long time ago, in my former neighborhood, we had a beautiful tree lined street; all shaded with Ficus trees. Then came the city hackers, and trimmed off almost all the leafy branches that shaded the street. We were devastated....it took about 15 more years for them to grow back when we last visited. So, I think what you're saying in your poem is leave nature alone and don't scarify the land to build houses...we need green for nature to survive. Very nice poem.
Best, Betty

[Relic]

Thank you for your comment, Betty. I used to live on a street that had three houses on it. We were surrounded by trees. In the winter, friends and I used to call it the bat cave, being they were so covered along the road. Today, there's nothing but houses from top to bottom. I miss the old trees, the birds and the quiet we used to have. Progress sucks sometimes.

[Betty Hermelee]

yes it does, trees should be left alone!!!
you're welcome!

[The Rock And Roll Cowbo..]

Trees have many purposes. A won derful poem describing them all.

[Relic]

Thank you, Cowboy.

[Samuel Dickens]

How could man have lived and thrived in this world without trees? I love the words of this poem and also the great photo. (64 or '65 Chevelle?)

[Relic]

haha, maybe 65. Thanks for your words, Sam.

[Silmara McGarry]

I really really like this one, it flows beautifully!!!
I absolutely love this part:
I hear an oak tree say.
"Look around at what we've done
and what you have today!"

and the end....wooow... just perfect!!!

Well done indeed :-)

[Relic]

Thanks very much, Silmara. I appreciate the comment. :)

Nice pic, btw.

[Silmara McGarry]

Thank you!!!!

[Delmar Cooper]

I too have mourned the fallen oak, but not so much as I have admired the acorn. This is a remarkable poem of great craft and talent.

[Relic]

Thanks very much, Delmar.

[Beccy]

A really well written poem, with impeccable cadence. Not a difficult thing, to balance need with conservation, it just needs the will, which sadly, is on many an occasion, lacking.

I love trees, have quite a few in my garden, they are so giving.

Beccy

[Relic]

Thank you, Becky. :)