Maple Plantain Tree

I’m a Maple tree with plantains spread

Amidst my crimson leaves,

With sparks of flair and flowery spurs

Enshrouded in their sleeves.

 

I’m prolific while the time is high

(From Spring’s rise to Autumn’s fall),

But as the last of my leaves go,

And Winter winds begin to blow,

Since plantains cannot further grow,

I cannot write at all.

 

I linger in the dumps of block,

Pale from the bitter cold,

And dead and dusty deep inside,

As all my gold is mold.

 

But once Spring stretches far and wide,

And the leaves adorn the trees,

As through my veins my sap would flow

To purge the wintry pain and woe,

And aid the budding plantains grow,

I thus can write with ease.

-EDP

Reviews

[CJ43223]

It is a beautifully written piece of poem. The winter, as everyone has it, makes one stop, rest and reflect. No one can be fully energetic at all time, though not everyone would stop and stand before a maple tree to think, or even appreciate its own beauty. It made me think a lot.

[emipoemi]

It's good that it made you think, and it's interesting that you it made you reflect in so philosophical a ways to want to contemplate a Maple in Winter. I'm not sure you fully understood the poem, though (and that's ok....this is part of my third phase of writing, so to the untrained mind, it's a bit hard to analyze). But thanks for reading. Glad you enjoyed it.

[Carolynn]

This is exactly the kind of beautifully flowing poetry I adore bringing nature at one with how we feel when we flow forth with so much inspiration only to be stifled shut when writer block attacks - at least that’s what I get from this lovely piece because I suffered writer block for a very long time (sadly) I want to feel a rejuvenation for writing just as the new buds can’t wait to re-emerge! You are very talented with your pen :)

[emipoemi]

I'm one with my Muses (lol). Thanks for reading. Glad you enjoyed it.

[VioletSerendipity]

I love the rhyme scheme in this. Especially the last stanza. Very well written, I can see the maple tree changing with each season. Brilliant !

[emipoemi]

Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it.

[barleygirl]

It's very creative to describe the seasons of one's writing inclinations as like the seasons of tree foliage. It's a double whammy to combine maple and plantain, which seems disparate in terms of tree growth, but the sounds of these words & the flavors themselves seem so well-matched, it feels like a great pairing. Such imagination is rare, & you've pulled it off smoothly (((HUGS))) Fondly Margie

[emipoemi]

Once you know me a little better (and read a bit more of my poems), you'll know why that pairing was made. But I'm glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for reading.

[Onlyme]

I really could picture this maple tree. Via the seasons. And the change of its colours and structure. Wonderful imagery and great use of words.

[emipoemi]

I wonder how you interpreted the "plantains", though? for that's an integral part of the piece.
read moreI wonder how you interpreted the "plantains", though? for that's an integral part of the piece.
But so glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for reading.

[Onlyme]

I took that a fruit growing and seeding and changing in colour as the grow. Between the leaves. Shaping and expanding the picture with the seasons in general. If that makes sense.

[emipoemi]

Sure, in a superficial sense. But plantains don't grow on maples (they're relatively tropical), so this maple plantain tree describes something deeper than simply a tree that grows and weathers the seasons.....

[Onlyme]

yeah, i thought something deeper when you asked me above.

[Beccy]

It is a curious, unquantifiable alchemy is it not; the moment, the stray thought that will inspire the poet. I have never really tried to analyse what it is that triggers the inspiration; but my notebook and pen is always to hand, and I am just grateful that as best I can, I am able to articulate, that moment, that thought.

Beautifully written.

Beccy.

[emipoemi]

Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it.

[Chris Shaw]

Without doubt one of the loveliest poems I have read about writers block. It happens to all of us. My dry spells can last for months and then it is though a tap has been turned on and the ideas flood my brain. Thank you.

[emipoemi]

This wasn't exactly intended to be completely about writer's block (as in there's a deeper meaning to the whole poem), but I'm glad you enjoyed it and could relate. Thanks for reading.

[Cherrie Palmer]

Dressed down for winter witj all inspiration gone, waiting on Spring to bloom.
Very relaxing trip while waiting on a muse.

[emipoemi]

Indeed. I always tend to write more when Spring is in bloom. Thanks for reading. Glad you enjoyed it.

[Heather]

When I have writer's block I get really frustrated and go through this mini period of self-doubt wondering if I'll ever be able to write again. Then, when I least expect it inspiration strikes and I'm able to scribble something onto paper without a second thought. Writing is a funny process and it's different for everybody. Writer's block, like winter, is probably a necessary part of the cycle. Thanks for sharing your insight into the mysterious nature of creativity!

[emipoemi]

Oh, believe me, it gets far more spiritual than this ;) Glad you enjoyed this. Thanks for reading!

[Ana Papaya]

Everything has it's season I suppose. I go through those spurts where I write and write and then I just don't feel like it for a while. I enjoyed the likening of it to the maples.

[emipoemi]

So glad you did! Thank you so much for reading!