Just Desserts

Outside the gable end I glance

diagonally to where a tree

acknowledges an autumn breeze.

Her bark no longer clad in green

is freed from ivy's clinging traits

and limbs sway leafless, light and free.

What stopped him I will never know,

unrestrained he chose to grow

and almost choked her with his strides.

Yet all that's clear to me is this,

our walnut shows an air of pride

and I'm not sorry ivy's died.

Reviews

[Mari' Emeraude]

Survival of the fittest, ay? You've brought an exciting, animated edge to this race of plants and their dominating space.

[Chris Shaw]

Someone must have seen what I saw and went out with a pair of sheers and gave ivy a strong haircut at the roots. The rest of it died quite quickly :)) Thank you Mari

[Onlyme]

Dear ivy she looks lovely but she is a right pain in the bottom. When does roam? And latch onto things you maybe do not want her on.

[Chris Shaw]

Too prolific, takes over and strangles everything in sight if left unchecked. But yes, Dee, looks very pretty in the right place. Thank you.

Chris

[barleygirl]

First off, I hate ivy, so I was cheering you on when I got to that point in your poem. I love the way this feels vague, like we’re guessing what’s going on, and yet it’s also pretty easy to figure it out. You make the kind of observations I would make, looking outside & personifying the trees (who are like roommates, after all!) Your tone is sassy & playful, which makes your poem fun to read (((HUGS))) Fondly, Margie

[Chris Shaw]

I like sassy Margie. Yes, I like sassy very much :))

[Einstein Noodle]

what a treat to look outside your gabled end ;) natures drama unfolding all the while .. interesting your walnut is leafless ... he still stands "proud" but i wonder if ivy didn't rake him a death blow .. tho in your closing she surely has met her "Just Deserts" ...i think your imagination and connection to Nature shines in this one ... so many stories to see just outside our windows eh!? i feel inspired this morning not to miss out on them ;)
E.

[Chris Shaw]

This poem was written in winter when I could clearly see the damage inflicted by the ivy. Not a leaf on the tree, but the limbs and bark were strangled with creeping ivy. I think someone saw, what I saw and went out with a pair of secateurs and gave that ivy a really sharp hair cut. I do feel connected to nature and if I inspire anyone that way, then I am delighted. Thank you Einstein Noodle for your thougthful response:))

Chris

[Einstein Noodle]

winter .. coming soon once again eh!? ;)

[Sami Khalil]

Many reasons for these dessert worth trees to die and affect our pshyche. Could be natural, parasitic or lack of water or nutrients in the ground. Your focus is sharp and your taste buds are jealous at parasites...lol

[Chris Shaw]

Funny response, maybe I am a bit jealous after all. Thank you Sami:))

Chris

[Sami Khalil]

Hahaha. You are welcome. Just kidding.

[Jimmy Yetts]

An impressive insight, Chris.
Besides, walnut makes a far better dessert than ivy.
Elegant offering!

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Jimmy. Coffee and walnut cake a great favourite of mine. And yes, ivy a threat to those walnuts.

Chris

[Mrudula Rani]

You are a beautiful naturalist who writes about loveliest things that are growing in your garden. I have this spectacular view from your bedroom window that inspires you, Chris.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you M. There is much worth looking at from my bedroom window, nature is a gift to all of us.read moreThank you M. There is much worth looking at from my bedroom window, nature is a gift to all of us.

Chris

[‘Thoughts In Time..]

Freedom from a clinger on- can only be life giving- amazing how nature tells its own story when released the new life shows through- wonderful picture you paint here-🌹

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Rose Petal, yes nature tells its own story and parasitic ivy got his just desserts in this case. A lucky escape.

Chris

[Lydia Shutter]

What a delightful nature write. I enjoyed the personification of the tree and the ivy. The rhyming is flawless. Lydi***

[Chris Shaw]

Lydi, your lovely review is truly appreciated.

Chris