Against The Odds

On Windsor's bank a sapling grows,

straight-backed and graceful light on leaf.

A slender willow yet to weep,

supportive stakes, no sign of grief.

Ten paces to her left resides

a hollowed bole, two metres wide,

where once a mighty willow bowed

and dipped its tresses sweeping green

into the waters cooling flow.

I do not know what fate ordained

or why or how this tree was felled.

Today I heard it call to me.

'Don't fret or grieve for me', it said.

'Look closer at my roots where shoots

will prove I live, I am not dead'.

Reviews

[Lorry]

Beautifully penned, as always Chris, and I hope you had a nice time over the christmas period...or a drunk one...or both :)
I see a lot of felled trees up here, as well as damaged ones being removed near the canal paths, and it always makes me feel a little sad, in a "got no respect for their elders" kinda way.
I dont know about down your way, but I was surprised to find out that it isnt the normal diseases causing this, like dutch elm, but they are being removed for environmental reasons.They are leeching all the industries of the pasts excesses back into the waterwaus and being replaced by young and unpolluted versions. Sad sight, the young replacing the old. You'll find that out some day :)
Ps...admit it, that was smooth :)

[Chris Shaw]

That was indeed smooth Lorry. You'll go far :)) Had a good time over the Christmas break. My glass was kept filled, but as I am the cook, I couldn't over indulge. We missed you and your fans will be pleased to see you back.

Chris

[Lorry]

I heard you all whem n I was crossing the tarmac. Felt like the beatles, until I got tasered for trespassing :)

[Chris Shaw]

:) …..…........

[lightsong]

wonderfully brilliant as always dear Chris, the essence never die. You always write the wisdom of nature in an enchanting and effective way, no doubt You are a true ponderer of everything around You.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you dear lightsong for your continued encouragement. You know well how much I love nature. I so appreciate you stopping by to review this old poem out for an airing.

Chris

[Dylan Macadham]

Hi Chris, I guess we're all here, against all odds, even Willows ...
I love this concept ...
When a tree dies, it lives on in the limbs of its saplings,
when we die we live on the memories of those we've touched.
~Dylan :)

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Dylan for those lovely thoughts. Yes, we do live on in the memories of those we touch. Memories can help us deal with the loss of our dearest in a softer way. Thank goodness for memories. Appreciate you stopping by for the night owl :)

Chris

[Dylan Macadham]

Sleep well, Night Owl, when next you sleep :))

[Chris Shaw]

Hopefully soon :)

[LostSage]

your poems seem always about the land....I told you before.... my sister says she can hear trees talking to her....I believe her she does not lie....some kind of druid stuff I guess...she has a whole yard of beautiful plants....I won't buy a $5 plant at the store, cause I know it will just die...anyway Chris, you know you are one of my faves....stars and flowers to you✨💐 have a sweet day

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Jeff. You are right, I am close to nature. You know, I can't help thinking that maybe your plants die because you don't nurture them. They do like a drink every now and again. Your sis and I have got stuff in common. Stars and flowers are nice, so I thank you and hope you are doing well.

Chris

[.]

This is such a beautiful poem.Yes when trees felled that sight is quite depressing....may be the other trees weep for it.You love nature to such extent that you portray everything related to nature so so beautifully.And here I am into everything...jack of all trades master of none:))
I wish to read more of your nature poems...they are so delicate

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you dear Sima. I am close to nature, but not a master of it :) And your poems are well crafted and lovely. Nothing wrong in being a jack of all trades. Your reviews are always so encouraging.

Chris

[.]

You deserve all the encouragement...have a lovely day

[red93]

I am assuming it is the Thames at Windsor Chris - and of course the Thames becomes the River Isis when it flows thru Oxford. You will not be surprised to learn that we spent many happy hours 'on the river' during my time at University, both the Isis and its tributary the Cherwell - indeed there is no point in going to Oxford if you are not river-friendly. I liked yr new Piece very much - indeed there is an element of Shakespeare himself in the mix, with the reference to Desdemona's Willow Song.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Tony. Yes, the Thames and I know the Thames at Oxford well. Have navigated the river right up to Lechlade which is the source. Amazing how a trickle can turn into a torrent. This is an old poem out for an airing. I have written very little recently as there is too much other stuff going on. I need to focus more. Akwats appreciate your thoughtful reviews.

Chris

[red93]

Thanks Chris. Well you must keep Writing - often it is the best way to process confusing and difficult situations, and yours is an important Voice on the Writers Cafe, and one that many look forward to reading. Also if there is anything I can do to help, write to me on the variousartists email if needed.

[kentuck14]

Chris,

Right from the romantic English poets of the early 19th Century. I hope you don't plan to drown while sailing in a storm!!! You know . . . that Shelley guy!?

Tom

[Chris Shaw]

Don't worry Tom, I am a fair weather sailor only :) Many thanks for the review, most appreciated.read moreDon't worry Tom, I am a fair weather sailor only :) Many thanks for the review, most appreciated.

Chris

[kentuck14]

I will. thx.

[Chris Shaw]

Oops that read more is computer generated Tom. Not me being cheeky. I am more than grateful for your time.

[kentuck14]

Hey, that's what this site's for!

[DIVYA]

Very motivational and inspiring is the message of hope and tenacity of nature that I receive from your words here. And I marvel at your observational skills and knack for storytelling, putting them to such amazing use. Your poetry has such variety, it’s a delight to read every time. My compliments to you dear Chris!

[Chris Shaw]

I try to find interesting and varied subjects to write about DIVYA. It pleases me that you think my work is varied. Can't thank you enough for your visits.

Chris

[DIVYA]

It’s always I pleasure and I love the takeaways from every poem of yours, dear Chris 💕

[Ranger Kessel]

I always enjoy what's underneath so this intrigues me. It spoke to me of fortitude and always making it thru. As always well put together with a fine rhythm. Thank you for sharing!

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks Ranger for your visit. Happy New Year to you.

Chris

[George David Hope]

Really enjoyed this. I can relate to the salix holding onto the bank side as where I walk my dog the river is lined with them all overhanging the water. Thanks for sharing

[Chris Shaw]

I love walking by the river too George. Thank you for taking the time to read.

Chris

[George David Hope]

No problem. Haven't had the chance to do much reading or writing due to the Christmas period. Hoping to get on more in 2019

[Chris Shaw]

I hope you find the time George.

[Carol Cashes]

Mother Nature only seems cruel if you apply "human" qualities and standards. We wring our hands when the tiger eats the baby antelope or the slow, aged former matriarch of the herd, but when only the strong survive, all living things--plants and animals/insects/reptiles, etc. benefit. Only humans demand a say and try to bend their environment to their shallow and self-serving desires.

I suspect the original tree gave way to the younger one because there is a greater need for the shelter and potential food source (small furries,insects, whatever) that the original could not provide or sustain. There is order in chaos, whether we "see" it or not.

Dang it! I wasn't going to get all deep and s**t this evening--had plans to watch cartoons and read a random pieces to get my "sea legs" back (I've been away for a while)but this is probably the fourth thought provoking piece I've read and now the neurons in my brain are snappin' and poppin' like downed power lines. And potentially as dangerous...soooooo, I'm outta here. Gotta a hot date with an episode of Tom and Jerry (yup, old school) before I retire.

Oops! *ahem* This piece read effortlessly, although this ugly American had to look up "bole", and the flow is seamless. Favorite line:

"A slender willow yet to weep,
supportive stakes, no sign of grief." Elegant but concise.

[Chris Shaw]

Pleased to meet you Carol. I thank you for your visit and your thoughtful response. Much appreciated. As you say if you were looking for light entertainment then cartoons should do the trick after four thought provoking reads on WC. You are most welcome and I wish you a Happy New Year.

With thanks

Chris