The tree of Life

A poetic allegory on climate extinction

 

The Tree of Life and Death

 

before time or space,

existed only the void

dead, dark, devoid 

yet within that darkness,

all that will be, 'is'

is yet outside actuality

the tree of life and death, exists

not latent, as a seed, a ticking clock,

but latent, as stone and wood may become a house

 

a potent brew of air, earth, rain and sun

awaiting a 'sistine' spark  *

a moment of wonder, raveling inexorably

into god knows what, unknown future

uncertainly, in fits and starts,

the emerging, tangling, web of creation

blossoms into a ravishing outburst of being

the tree, for long inert

now crowned resplendent, in verdant glory

 

and yet, there is further to tell

no tree can live in solitude and thrive

but exists as a portion of a community

a flora and fauna, interdependent

birds of every hue and voice

scampering squirrels, fluttering bats

scurrying beetles, marching ants

honeyed bees, hovering flies

mushrooms, clinging mosses, lichens

nematodes and germs, uncountable

 

thus, the tree of life and its community

lived long in harmony together

until one day another creature appears

brimful of curiosity and avarice

he walks around the tree

plucks an apple from a bough

 

the tree of life is filled with foreboding

warns the man that if he eats

of the apple of good and evil

he, and all his kind, will perish 

the man scoffed at this and ate of the apple

 

from that day, the man and all his kin

grew steadily apart from nature

at first, all seemed to continue as before

until one day he looked up at the tree

he saw that the leaves were brown and dry

one broke loose and fell dead to his feet

then another, and another

until all, lay deep around his legs

 

the tree of life lay dead,

along with all its creatures

the man that had brought this about

reflected long on these events

knew now that he was a part of nature

knew that he was not the master of nature

knew now that it was too late!            

 

In that place, dead, dark, devoid …….

'sistine' - in the Sistine chapel, Michelangelo's painting of the spark of life passing from God to Adam

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Reviews

[Lorry]

Out of nothing, came something, and when that something grew legs, it took but a flickering of an eye to destroy what took the entirity of history to create. No matter how we believe we came into being, it is a bloody sin the arse we have made of it for future generations. And that is from a non believer. If that big bad fire exists, its gonna be helluva crowded down there.
An extremely creative and thought provoking write Alan. Every time i hear the word allegory, i think of Orwell, a favourite of mine, but i think the Coen brothers would be mighty pleased with this piece. I'd like to see what picture they could paint with your words.
Impressive.

[alanwgraham]

Ta Lorry. I'm relieved you've taken something out of this. Maybe kamikaze nuts 2 might attract more attention. Please shoot me if I ever refer to Adams Apple again!
I see you are being as inventive as ever. To change the subject our daughter lives opposite the tenement fire in Glasgow - very frightening.
Cheers.
Alan

[Lorry]

I heard about that from friends. Hope theyre all safe n sound.

[barleygirl]

There are several cafe poets I admire & whom I've mimicked in the style of using a pile-up of descriptive terms to convey the abundance of nature. This is a style I've not seen from you, but which you bring to a crescendo in V3 (love!) I'm not convinced that this poem speaks to "climate extinction" as you prep us to expect. To me, the tree & all it's friends lacking a healthy habitat symbolize the human plight becuz that's what we self-absorbed humans tend to think when we ponder the original sin. How it impacted US . . . not the planet. So I didn't make that connection as strongly as maybe it could've been made. But all in all, I love your always-inventive ways to make a statement quite unlike anyone else is making about the very same stuff! Always a breath of fresh air that makes us ponder & care (((HUGS))) Fondly, Margie

[alanwgraham]

You take first place in the cafe Margie for your always thoughtful and honest reviews. I did wonder whether this was a bit too contrived and not very subtle. Its good to see that a few of my fellow writers have taken something to it. Its hard not thinking about climate change these days and i suspect that the Covid scare is just part of it. I've just been back at home for a week after two weeks in hospital with a manic episode. On the whole I've enjoyed it but that doesn't mean I've not been unwell. Its tough on Mandy but my three grown up kids all rally round. Four years ago when i was really unwell my eldest son flew out to South Africa to rescue me and support his mum.
The story I've just started is about how bipolar has affected my thinking. I suspect that its quite an individual thing.
I hope you are well yourself!
All the best,
Alan

[barleygirl]

I've always wanted to write in detail about being bipolar but I find my view of it changes constantly & I can't figure out what I'm really saying about it. I think covid & climate change are related becuz all this out-of-control s**t is related to overpopulation of humans & human greed (my main gripe in life). I'm sorry for your episode. I've never been THAT manic, but I've done some wildass ridiculous stuff that wasn't classified as manic becuz I didn't realize I was bipolar until my 40's. But mine is mild enuf to not take meds. Plus, I consider living alone to be part of my curative, since I can control my rage when I'm not around humans who bug the s**t out of me. Most people couldn't thrive on my curative, as we've seen with various lockdown situations, but I'm an old hand at isolation & it brings out the best in me. I love how your family rallies around. You are really generous to share so transparently, but the reason I do is so younger people get an example of people owning their lives without blame or shame (((HUGS)))

[Dave Brown]

We are fools

[alanwgraham]

Dave - thanks for your concise review! And yet there is always a tomorrow.
All t
best.
Alan.

[Sir Robert Robbie Lord ..]

Grab another one with a water of life and pluck up your courage from the garden ~ Great story verse; I see, I, heard in all that haunted creation

[alanwgraham]

Thanks Robert for your encouraging review. Haunted creation is a great phrase!
Take care.read moreThanks Robert for your encouraging review. Haunted creation is a great phrase!
Take care.
Alan

[alanwgraham]

Sorry Robert. NO idea where 'read more' came from. It's happened a few times now.
Alan

[Sir Robert Robbie Lord Dudley]

Thank you and I do read more-so, Oh well
no-things happen

[Betty Hermelee]

I love this poem about life and death of nature and how you have styled it. The tree of life is part of that nature of birds, squirrels, bees, etc. the"man" brought about the death of nature and its community has separated himself, as once they were ONE! He can now watch as nature shifts from one season to another. Great write; I hope I understood it well enough. Yours truly, Betty

[alanwgraham]

Thats very kind of you Betty. You have understood it perfectly. I suppose we are seeing the start of this in Australia and many other places.
All the best.
Alan

[Betty Hermelee]

Thanks and absolutely, sad to say. Best, Betty

[Sami Khalil]

A very powerful poem with truthful verses. You are giving life to the argument and sad direction humans are headed to in regards to this subject. I like how you put things in a religious, historical and a philosophical aspects. Kudos Alan.

[alanwgraham]

Thanks Sami for your very kind review and apologies for the delay. You are never quite sure about writing until you get some feedback so this is very encouraging. Is it too obvious or is it too obtuse. It's a fine balance but then you are writing for a spectrum.
Best wishes.
Alan

Best wishes.
Alan

[Sami Khalil]

All true. You are welcome...

[Robert Trakofler]

Some people not only cling to the concept of rapture they are counting on it they use it as a justification for reckless destruction and disregard. I believe strongly in the gifts of free will and the pulse of nature we are all capable of critical thought and thus capable of being a part of not a taker of... life. Nature needs to be embraced and nurtured in us all... not taken for granted dear Allen we are so on the brink of our own collective makings apocalypse:(

[alanwgraham]

Thanks Robert for reading and your thoughtful comments. The more people that talk and take action over our relationship with the earth the greater chance we can influence big business and the leaders.
Take care.
ALan