Tree

A childhood memory, a future strength.

A segment on the radio 

  made me stop and think

  of childhood recollections 

  that went by in such a blink.

A tree that I remembered,

still shading from my past

  with memories abounding,

that forever last.

 

It was just there, though 

  I never gave it thought, 

never considered the 

  memories that it, in time 

  had brought.

I remember almond trees 

  planted by the drive,

I so little, full and dreams,

just happy to be alive.  

 

I'd walk up the drive, with 

  just the little me,

sitting on that garden wall,

towering over was Tree.

The sun was warming and 

  life for me just dawning.

The strength I knew,

breezes gently blew.

I never got to climb it, but 

  sat in its dappled shade,

picnics with my sister and 

  drinking lemonade. 

 

Do my older siblings enjoy the 

  things that I recall,

does an almond tree feature 

  in their memory at all?

I remember the cicadas 

  would leave their shells behind, but 

  the little critters fled, as 

  I could never find. 

 

Those trees watched over me 

  in my childhood years,

through bumps, bruises and 

  maybe flowing tears.

I just called them 'Tree', but 

  somehow they stay 

  in my memory. 

 

 

r.m.

Reviews

[Betty Hermelee]

It’s quite amazing that something you read or hear brings back certain memories of one’s childhood….moments to treasure for sure… you remember the tree so well that shade you throughout the summer days,….and those cicadas that scream at night, nut never found….oh so many other sweet moment abound…. it’s nice to go backwards sometimes…..love,y and well written piece…
Warmly, B

[Coyote Poetry]

Me too Richard. I loved my grandfather yard. Old trees to shade the yard and house.
"I just called them 'Tree', but
somehow they stay
in my memory."
I need the memories now. Thank you for sharing the outstanding poetry.
Coyote

[Richard M]

Thank you Coyote for reading. I'm glad they sparked memories for you my friend.
Take care.
Richard

[Betty Hermelee]

A lovely recollection of your childhood; especially the "TREE" which seemed to give you much joy; did your siblings like it too? all the little creature you remember is so important to behold and let sink into our memories forever... i like all the details you showed us and now you still fondly hold them near to your soul.
Warmly, B

[Richard M]

Hi Betty

Thank you for reading. I don’t know why I remember Tree so vividly, but it has stayed with me over the years and happily so! I pass the house and Tree every week, it's still there. I know the mentioned sister still remembers, so embarrassingly, she was the one who'd dress me up LOL.

Hope you are well my friend?

Richard

[Betty Hermelee]

You’re very welcome FRIEND!
Warmly, B

[John the Baptist]

You're right, life does seem to go by in a blink. It's odd how our memories can bring forth images of things we saw repeatedly in our childhoods but never gave a second thought to. The earlier in life we learn to be mindful, the better off we will be.

[Richard M]

Thank you John for reading. A childhood memory that's quite vivid.
Take care my friend.
read moreThank you John for reading. A childhood memory that's quite vivid.
Take care my friend.
Richard