Oaken

A Senryu

Bent into the wind,

Gnarled branches, no acorns form,

I'm a hopeless Oak

Author's Note

I classify this as a Senryu, not a Haiku, as it is allegorical.

Reviews

[Blue]

I'm pleased to know that you are able to distinguish the two, Eddie. I get Senryu and Haiku confused at times.

According to the website I've read, an oak tree symbolizes courage and power. Legend says that it is the most powerful of all trees. I applaud you for a wisely chosen metaphor!

This is my interpretation of the poem:

"Bent into the wind"

"Bent" implies submission or surrender to the "wind", which I think pertains to fate, destiny, or Higher Power. I believe the oak tree struggled during hard times, but because of some circumstances, it has failed to achieve something and it seems to me that it has finally "given up" and has fully submitted itself to "death."

"Gnarled branches"

I think this refers to hands that have undergone laborious times. The person has done his/her best, but as the succeeding phrase reveals, there's no fruit or reward for what s/he has done.

"no acorns form"

I've also read that acorns only appear on fully mature oak trees, so they symbolize fruits of perseverance and hardwork (at least that's what the site tells me). The present tense of the verb "form" even makes this phrase stronger. The meaning of the phrase stirred sympathy in my soul.

"I'm a hopeless Oak"

The "I" makes this personal and intimate...and also haunting. Imagine being likened to a tree representing power and courage but now drained of hope.

Although I would have wanted stronger choice of words in the last line (to make an intense, power-packed end), I think this is already good. I commend the consistent and excellent symbolisms.

Pardon my (probably) poor interpretation. I don't usually give interpretative reviews, just proofreading stuffs...

[Eddie Davis]

Your review was rather close. Oaks are common in the eastern half of the United States and were once very common here in Missouri. The type we have here are called 'White Oaks' with these ash colored trunks and very gnarled branches. They always seem old and rather worn out. It was indeed a poem about aging and the weariness of an unsuccessful life.