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]

:) …..…........

[duck]

weeping willow not weeping here. loved the disruption in this poetry. nice pictures in mind.

[Chris Shaw]

May thanks duck for your visit. All good wishes

Chris

[Einstein Noodle]

love those old willows ..i can feel the sweep of it's greens in the waters ...so pleasnat ....comforting ...an optimist i am grateful for the possitive closing note ..life does go on ... beauty and wonderment survive the felling ..top o' the mahrnin' to ya Chris!
E.

[Chris Shaw]

Hello Mr E. I was delighted to see those shoots growing too. Like you it left me with a feeling of optimism.

Chris

[Norman 223]

Sadly, the quest for profit tries to outwit nature, but rarely defeats it permanently. We have just lost a beautiful 200 year old willow glade to nine " luxury " houses, but how long before their foundations succumb to those hidden tender shoots...... ?
A less gentle interpretation of your poem, perhaps Chris, but you gave me food for thought..

Norman

[Chris Shaw]

Do you know Norman, I'm almost wishing nature reclaims what was taken. How awful to lose a 200 year old willow glade. Plenty of brown fill sites around to build on without taking green belt. Many thanks for your thoughts.

Chris