Gable End

long after leaving

brushwood of silver birch

will still tremble in

mornings soft spring breeze

lengthy tresses will tease

pre dawn air while whispers

bring goodnight kisses

through clear glass panes

heart of this tree forever

resides in me wherever i go

sunshine happy on river's flow

or in my garden sanctuary

in sickness, sorrow or fear

through hello and goodbyes

steadfast, rooted in seasons

a sentinel on guard duty

glance upon graceful limbs

on dark veined bark markings

awaiting green leaf canopy

it is only right i pay my dues

 

merci for sharing emotions

unafraid to display movement

a friend in all ways truthful

in all weathers honest

Reviews

[barleygirl]

Your first line sent me on a reverie about how things usually change drastically after one leaves a place for a while . . . then I got to thinking how, where I live near wilderness, this place is less likely to be drastically different many years after I'm gone. All the ways humans try to dominate the planet, yet nature is the entity that will own this planet long after we've spent ourselves into a fatal frenzy (((HUGS))) Fondly, Margie

[Chris Shaw]

Please accept a sorry for not thanking you sooner for this lovely review Margie. This one slipped me by which makes it even more special finding it today.

Chris

[barleygirl]

That's the beauty of being old & forgetful . . . stumbling upon forgotten cash, reviews, & other unexpected finds!

[Chris Shaw]

And how lovely that is too :)

[John the Baptist]

Our lifetimes are dwarfed by those of some trees. in this offering the poet speaks of a silver birch that has been around for all, or much of, her life. It has been there as a silent but faithful companion through good times and bad, "a friend in all ways truthful," and now she desires to pay it due tribute. It is well that she does so. Too soon we can lose appreciation for the things that have stood by us, sometimes not realizing their value until they are gone.

[Chris Shaw]

Each tree has significant value. Sadly too many do not appreciate that fact. Thank you John fir checking in and your continued support. All good wishes.

Chris

[Pete]

chris, my goodness, you blew me away with this one. one of your best i think. in a realm all its own. there is so much nourishing truth in your well chosen words and imagery. i am swayed by the tree with its steadfast, bountiful truth and feeling. wonderful ending. it's all there for the taking. wow ... :)

[Pete]

.... forgot to mention your new avatar - yowsa, yowsa, you've become quite the piercing poetess

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Pete for that stunning review and also for noticing my new avatar. My granddaughter snapped me last May when we were out walking during lockdown. We were allowed to walk once a day with people from our own household, so we made the most of it. She took me to a bluebell wood she had discovered. Have a good weekend.

Chris

[Patricia Wedel]

dear Chris... surely you have a golden Pen to write a beautiful Ode to a Silver Birch. Your poem reminds me of the poem “Trees” by
Alfred Joyce Kilmer published in 1914. He was an American Poet. He died in 1918 in France during WWI.. at the age of 31. He was married and had five children. His wife was a Poet and writer also. Chris, your Poem is so tender and
touching. truly, Pat

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you for that lovely review Pat. I have an affinity with trees without a doubt. Have even been known to hug a tree :) Keep you and yours safe dear Pat.

Chris

[.]

A fine poem about a tree from an avid nature lover... Yes, a tree can be a friend of lifetime. It is the mute spectator of everything, it always comforts. Standing tall through life's gains and losses, it is there to cover with shade. I can relate as I have a Mahogany tree in our courtyard, which I miss terribly... A very beautiful poem

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you dear Sima. Your mahogany tree in your courtyard must be like a sentinel to you. Pleased you too appreciate the wonders of nature.

Chris

[Dhara_Ditzy Kat]

Meeowwww...
Me your friend in all weathers too dear Chris!

I loved how you describe the beauty of the tree in such super fine and exquiste words and I love how you relate to the tree and make the reader feel so much for it. You are truly Nature's beautiful and blessed child, my dear friend! She must be so proud of you!

[Chris Shaw]

Dear Ditzy, fav Kat. Thank you for this lovely review. I do indeed love the natural environment. Treats for you........

Chris

[Ruth]

This made me emotional Chris. I have a birch as a friend, it grew crooked and my family wanted to chop it down several times but I guarded her and allowed her to grow and we connected :) Trees are wonderful companions and make you feel so rooted to earth, I often talked to my friend, the birch :) Lovely poem hon...beautiful!

[Chris Shaw]

Dear Ruth. My sentinel stands tall and I also have one which is hunch backed alongside. I love that one too. Your lovely review tells me that you too have the same affinity to trees as I have. Always good to have a visit from you. Take good care and keep safe.

Chris

[emmajoy]

' in sickness, sorrow or fear ~ through hello and goodbyes ~ steadfast, rooted in seasons ~ a sentinel on guard duty '

This really is how it is, Chris. isn't it!? Your precious silver birch, alive in every season, every mood, whatever time after time. Holds sighing moments and memories of when and how.

You've written so many fine poems but, this just might, maybe, perhaps, be the one that touches my heart most of all. A tree that is ' a friend all ways truthful. '

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Em for your appreciation of the lovely silver birch outside my bedroom window. A constant over the last thirty five plus years. Always there, through all seasons. Through good times and bad. Have a great weekend.

Chris

[emmajoy]

Tis said that if you have a tree near your heart, Chris.. roots spread both its and your favours.