THE BAMBOO TREE

The bamboo that bends is stronger than the oak that resist

Often misunderstood for being timid

or lack of brute strength

Its true character is forged 

in the modest obscurity and adversity of life.

The graceful bamboo does not fight,

resist nor oppose a mighty storm.

It subject itself to its will,

rules and oppression.

It does not gripe, antagonize

nor file a grievance of its attrition

Instead bowed lowly for submission.

After the storm's havoc pass

Quenched its thirst for wrath

The bamboo emerges from the dust

Wipes and spits the dirt from its mouth

And pulled itself up again

To stand straight from the ground

where it was bruised and mauled

To rise to the occasion

With head held high; triumphant .

The bamboo knows

the storm's imposing might

the futility of resistance.

The consuming fire of vengeance

The deceptive security of pride

Instead it sway, whistle and dance

To the harrowing screams of its gale

To embrace humility and resilience

This is the enduring legacy,

the true spirit of my kind

This is how I respond...

This is how I overcome ...

by NeiL ArandA 9/6/14

Thoughts and words inspired by Gabrielle's writing

" Titans of the Orient ".

Author's Note

Meekness is not weakness but power under restraint. And God opposes the proud and always gives grace to the humble and contrite in heart.

Reviews

[gabrielle]

Indeed, the bamboo best describe the resilience of our people. It could stand upright to reach the sky but in times of storm it could gracefully dance with the destructive winds. this reminded me of something that i read which sort of said that the best way to protect ourselves is to be fluid like the water and in this case, to be flexible as the bamboo...the title is very interesting...i attempted to "google" it but could not find it any...perhaps, the title pertains to a wounded/broken person who is asserting to himself that he, too, can be like the bamboo.

[NeiL ArandA]

I'm impressed Gab. You have zero in to the meaning of this piece like a laser beam. You have coined a key word " assertive " . I'll be back for this Gab. Its so much to say with your review and comment.. Thank you for checking it out.

[Patricia Wedel]

I have admired Bamboo for many years. It’s roots are firmly planted and it does bend with the storms of life. A beautiful lesson to share with the world. The strength of Bamboo is a legend to live by. truly, Pat

[Benita-Staebell M - Kin..]

I love Bamboo and Willow trees my
favorite and yes they're tall Giant and strong God made every animal and tree even bamboo
in a different ways even us :)
and bamboo must be strong also to with stand when a Panda eats into it
I imagine god made Bamboo that way from how he made Pandas they have to
have some pretty tough teeth and strong Jaws to eat that :) my mother in law has a little Bamboo
plant at her house she loves pandas pictures of them everywhere so she loves Bamboo :)

I could sit under a weeping Willow read a book or fall asleep under them we
have a Breathtakingly Beautiful one right by our lake at Acworth beach
feeling the cool water winds and under a tree like the so lovely :)

Thank you for sharing this beautiful write and
for your kind review and comments
you left on my page.


Benita

[Briana O'Connor]

The metaphoric nature of this piece is a deep and beautiful sentiment. The way you subtly work in man kind compared to bamboo adds an elegant essence. Very good work you have hear. Your mind is full of great ponderings. One thing I would suggest is reading your work out loud to catch tense errors and other things that may throw a piece off. Well penned. Thank you for sharing.

[Unsungman]

This is really beautiful. This poems makes me wonder for how long we have immersed our-self at the grasses and fields to understand the storms and torrents of our soul. This poem also reminds me of Herman Hesse a german writer who parallels the river and our own fate. Well done!!!

[Alfred Kukitz]

Sage wisdom in a wonderful rendering of a man blessed with real knowledge.

[Daisie Vergara (Dhaye)]

Sorry, I might appear funny this time, Neil. I saw the author of the quote in the photo you used- Bruce Lee....and then your title Bruise tree. Tree of bruise... or perhaps Bruised Tree? As you said, the bamboo is resilient...through the adversities...through the storms of life.
I have also a poem about a bamboo- in Kyrielle form, but this one is better than what I have written. But let me share here an excerpt of it to describe a bamboo plant:

"PLIANT"

I stand with pride, I know it all
Though you can see, I bow, I fall
Whenever wind whispers my name
I bend my knees but stay the same

Whatever life would offer me
I will accept but I'm still free
I know how odd, it's like a game
I bend my knees but stay the same...

Thank you for sharing your amazing thoughts, Neil. Hope our every bruise can be healed by time and God's amazing love. God bless you always!

[NeiL ArandA]

Bruce Lee and Bruise Tree ...you saw it . The legendary Martial Art expert saw the strength of not resisting but being pliant and flexible like the geaceful bamboo who is able to adapt and adjust and conquer the giants of. life . Its through tough times that brings about character and qualities we never thought we had . From the christian perspective . Often times its through rain, storms and toughest nights to see His blessing in disguise ...

[Frieda P]

I love your personification of trees within our own strengths and endurance.

'in the modest obscurity and adversity of life'

Your authors note says it all, but your poetry does it so much more eloquently.

[NeiL ArandA]

I flew by to your place a few times and scour the place looking for a place to land . I cant ignore now your kindness .

[jacob erin-cilberto]

sometimes endurance is just the smart way to go...the path of least resistance...afterall, the meek shall inherit the earth...and the mighty and powerful will eventually fall...
there is often much strength in silence.

[NeiL ArandA]

Thanks Jacob I remember you wrote a piece about the meek inheriting the earth . Ive read some of your recent piece and they are deep . especially the poets appoinment .