Spiteful Tree

A tree flowering with pessimism.

I’ve picked up,

This golden Axe,

And started chopping

Down

This tree of pessimism,

That has haunted

Me for twenty

Long years,

That has turned

My days

Into nights,

And the sweetness,

Into bitterness;

The hue of the

Rainbow,

Into shades of

Gray;

The translucent White,

Into

Tar Black.

You’ve made me

Loathe my own

Homeland,

Or was it

The other way around?

I strike

And blast,

And throttle,

With these

Bare hands

Of mine,

With fury and anger,

With tears down

My tender cheeks,

And as I plunder,

My frail

Back aches.

Naked hands

Of mine blister,

And ooze with

Mournful blood;

Blood that has

Accumulated over

Two long decades,

But victory’s mine.

I shall overcome

This spiteful tree.

I blow the last thrust,

And it fell down,

And as it fell,

I saw the sun glow

Over the horizon.

I licked the sweat

Of my rested

Conscience,

And I’ve never

Tasted

Anything sweeter.

Today, I celebrate my

Well-earned optimism.

Author's Note

First time writing a poem in this format and that length. I hope it wasn't too cumbersome for you to read. Opinions and criticisms are welcomed.

Reviews

[~]

Many symbolic images throughout the poem. The tree- life, golden ax- reminded me of the golden rule, yet a tool of chopping and made of gold -it is pure, it is immensely strong enough to set you free. Rainbow - the symbol of hope with all the colors a promise of a better day, is gray, you need all the colors, beckoning them to come back. Your pain as you are "chopping" a stoic picture of your perseverance and strength. The sun finally greets you with the new light of things being better. Well done Shane!!

[Shane Mohamed]

Thank you Skittles. I did what I could. Very thorough and precise review. You need your own column ;)

[Katethepoet]

I really like this. I like the structure of it a lot. I think it adds a nice , concise nature to the poem . The images are great.

[Shane Mohamed]

Thank you Kate. Glad you liked it.

[....................]

A great write to demonstrate the shedding of pessimism. Welcome to club optimist!!!! I enjoyed this very much Shane!

[Shane Mohamed]

Yay! I'm in. I thought it would do me some good if I changed the way I think. Thank you for the support Ledrew. I haven't gotten my membership ID yet ;)

[....................]

:) it's in the mail!!!!!!!

[Coyote Poetry]

Hard to do. But must be done.
"This spiteful tree.
I blow the last thrust,
And it fell down,
And as it fell,"
I liked the reason and the positive ending in the excellent poetry.
Coyote

[Shane Mohamed]

Yes, my mood has always been dark and gloomy. I was told that I need to change it, so I tried. Thank you for checking it out.

[Coyote Poetry]

You are welcome.

[Rachelle]

To a certain limit - yes, optimism can be beneficial but not to the point where everything is viewed behind rose-colored glasses. A certain healthy amount of skepticism in this world is needed lest we be fooled.

[Shane Mohamed]

He's been so skeptic, it drove him backwards. But you're right; one doesn't see life in pink. A realistic dose is enough.

[....................]

The goal is to make sure you never take your eyes off the real world; still, optimism can be the driving force.

[Rachelle]

True........

[Jamestown]

This is the never say die attitude many just don't have. To persevere
and conquer is so fulfilling. Great piece of work and b-blessed!

[Shane Mohamed]

Thank you James. I appreciate it.

[Jamestown]

Of course, PTL!

[Sami Khalil]

No optical illusion when pessimism is based on good faith and strong will to overcome. Patience is the centre in the process. An amazing write...:)......

[Shane Mohamed]

Thank you dear friend.

[Sami Khalil]

You are welcome. Any time...:)....