Oh, Tree

Upon seeing a tree in the morning's golden light...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Image of a coral tree in my back yard, bathed in golden light.  Photographer: Rick Puetter,  ©2014, all rights reserved.

Oh, Tree

   ...On seeing a tree in the morning’s golden light…

 

Oh, tree

See how thy steadfast branches

Strut strong into the sky

Nourished by budding green

Bathed in golden light

Imbued with creation's power

 

Your roots pierce down

Dig deep into the earth

You are founded strong in this world

You build on raw existence

Making life from elementals

Alchemist thou truly art!

 

Oh, how I admire you!

What wisdom you teach

Calmness and serenity

No care hast thou in life

Content just to be

Building stronger, and stronger, e'er stronger!

 

 

©2014 Richard Puetter

All rights reserved

Reviews

[Clockwork]

Dear Rick,

I greatly enjoyed your elemental ode for the coral tree. The picturesque beauty of this elder statesmen of earth is gracefully mirrored in your lines. Your ardent tone in this piece reminded me very much for Wordsworth. I also greatly enjoyed how you celebrated the natural processes of growth in lines such as "You build on raw existence/Making life from elementals/Alchemist thou truly art." Those lines show true reverence for the majestic process of growth.

I am very much with you in your admiration of this coral tree, as well as trees everywhere.

[Taino]

I enjoyed the imagery in your poem about the Coral Tree. You encompass every part of the tree. Embodying strength, serenity, and calm. Very enjoyable to read.

[Great Aunt Astri]

Nothing quite like a solid tree to make you feel good. Love the photo too.

[Samuel Dickens]

There are a few things in nature that leave us in awe, and besides the sea, a mighty, majestic tree has to be one of most potent. Perhaps our eons-long relationship with them has made it so. Lovely, inspired work, Rick.

[Steven J. McCarathy]

This ode to a tree is very impressive. The trees would thank you if they could. Good Job Rick

[Riss Ryker]

This poem is music to my eyes. As a tree lover, I thought you did a beautiful job in your description of the steadfastness, growth, and wisdom of a tree. Enjoyed this one very much!

[Lizardo]

I seriously love this poem, It is great and what a way to finish it I love the last line
Great and wonderful poem.

[Tomás Ó C..]

Lovely verse ... in the Romantic tradition!

[Sheila Kline]

Dear Rick,

It is indeed the steadfastness of the tree with gnarls on its trunk, bark peeling, perhaps disease laden and weathered by wind and rain that stands tall and proud as an example to mankind that though it may see many a year they have all been those that have seen new growth with the arrival of another spring; starting and completing a cycle that repeats year after year. The calmness and serenity it displays, as you note is to continue on as it becomes yet stronger year after year. What shall end this cycle? - perhaps a storm that topples its branches, or man who rids it to make room for something considered more worthy, yet until such a time it has no cares, "it just is"!

You teach us also that it takes more than just a seed to flourish as it must reach its roots down into the earth and grasp that which sustains it. We are like that tree. We live and utilize the resources we have made available to us to survive. The tree needs but water, nutrients in the soil, sunshine and the change of seasons to ensure it continues, and for this it commands our respect!

I especially like your use of denoting the tree as an Alchemist - that which does not use Science to explain why it exists, nor how it exists. It draws on the elements that are available, its raw existence. Again, "it is what it is", and it survives!

We may indeed draw many conclusions in beholding such simple, yet complex beauty and strength!!

It is good to see you writing again!!

Best regards,
Sheila

[Latifa]

very beautiful and touching, I feel the honesty in this elegantly inked words my friend, I've enjoyed this one deeply.