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. 

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

[Lorry]

Excellent write relic. Leaves me thinking of now and then and now again, where childhood haunts are unrecognisable, with new builds hiding the treasures of our youth, which leads into thinking of just how much time we spend reminiscing when it isn't to our liking, yet praise modernity when it is.
And that is without even thinking about the books and instruments that bring so much enjoyment as you say.

[Relic]

Well said and I agree. Thanks, Lorry.

[barleygirl]

There have been a rash of poems lately in defense of nature & this is, to me, one of the most original I've read. I love how you pick a point of view that's unique & intriguing, I was taken in by the way this felt like a tug-of-war upon someone's heart. Here you have acknowledged the need for progress & human habitation, which can be an argument for "the other side" & in this way, you present a more balanced picture instead of one that will be seen as "just a tree hugger" getting off! *wink! wink!* That photo is so exquisite, it almost cures me of my rabid dislike for winter & snowy climes! (((HUGS))) Fondly, Margie

[Relic]

Thanks very much for your thoughts, Margie. :)

[XuuL]

Great poem! I love the way you talk to trees. I especially like the ending which highlights this relationship, the way you say "old friendly oak" and show him your concern and understanding. The photo fits nicely too, well done.

[Relic]

Thanks very much, Xuul.

[AJNJ]

This poem is very attractive in wording and content and I agree with the message shared. Yet, sometimes the chainsaw just can’t be avoided. We could try and minimise it yet not totally avoid it. The solution? Afforestation. Keep planting more. That’s it.

[Relic]

Good point, thanks, Pestonjee.

[R.E. Ray]

Relic, as a writer and woodworker, I see a deep beauty in what you've written here. I love walking in the woods and enjoy the shade and all the colors. I also love making a piece of furniture I can keep in my home or gift to family and friends. I also have many handed-down pieces from my grandfather, including a walnut table he made in high school in 1940. It's how I view ideal recycling. We can honor nature by leaving it as is and reshaping and preserving it for future generations. Incredible poem.

P.S. My great-grandmother bought a 1964 Malibu in late 1964 and kept it until she passed in 2002. That car looks like a '64. Great pic.

[Relic]

Wow! That's amazing that she had it that long. They don't make them like they used to. And that includes TVs and furniture. The workmanship was so much more dependable.

Thanks very much for the review. :)

[R.E. Ray]

Yes, but she didn't drive much the last 10-12 years. Sadly, it went to a derelict grandson when she died. He painted it bright orange and put chrome rims on it. I think it was wrecked shortly after that.

Glad to review your work. Always a pleasure.

[Relic]

Such a shame. Perhaps years from now he'll realize what he did. Or perhaps not.

[R.E. Ray]

Yes, it is. Sadly, he's gone, too. He died from his own hand a few years ago.

[Relic]

Geez! Sadder than I imagined. Sorry to hear all that. Life never made sense to me, it still doesn't, but I just go from day to day.

[¿]

You're a great poet to admire! And this is one of your best writrups. From the start to end, each line was giving pleasure to read. Though the subject hits upon the people who are drastically cutting down trees at random and rapidly to enjoy posh life, somehow we are included. Hope, I can only hope if we could prevent wasting woods or cut trees excessively.
Great write without a doubt! Be blessed!**

[¿]

I love the image too, a 60s peaceful place depicted but I dunno on which time it got clicked :)

[Relic]

Nor do I. Thank you, Tahsin.