"I think of lovers as trees,
growing to and from one another,
searching for some light."
- Warsan Shire,
The Unbearable Weight of Staying
You leaned your willowy trunk
towards me; soft veiny leaves
brushing my face tentatively.
I was braced for flight.
I leaned away, afraid of blight.
My inner trunk was born
to age alone, weathered and strong.
But I watched, all those years,
the other trees dancing,
flinging their leafy arms about with joy,
loving, singing, exchanging soft sighs.
I always wondered why
I never knew
how to so easily connect, to trust,
(as lovers must),
or how to stick and stay.
I wondered why I never learned
how to love that way.
for Toni's cool prompt at Real Toads: to take one of the quotes offered and springboard a poem. And of course the answer lies in childhood, when love hurts that much.
What a great poem! to think you love trees as much as I. Trees teach us a lot. But they are often better than human ones. thank you for writing to my prompt! And thanks for thinking it is cool.
ReplyDeleteMarvelous work indeed, SkyLady!
ReplyDeleteI was tempted by this quote, as I too love trees with a passion – this time Kate Tempest won. I enjoyed the fine detail and the personification, especially in the lines:
ReplyDelete‘My inner trunk was born
to age alone, weathered and strong’
and felt tearful when I read:
‘But I watched, all those years,
the other trees dancing,
flinging their leafy arms about with joy,
loving, singing, exchanging soft sighs’.
Mother Nature has it right, Sherry. I'm glad you wrote this, I believe too that Mother Nature has a School of Hard Knocks for us slow learners. She doesn't know, but I've enjoyed every thump, even the one years ago that hurt me so badly. For some hints on my aging you can read my post before, Tuesday Platform. Bring your calculator.
ReplyDeleteBTW, I liked your write immensely, it reminded me of our willow tree that was sawed, electric saw I presumed, completely down by vandals. It grew back from the little stump they left.
..
This is perhaps one of my favorite poems you have written (I feel this way often when I read your latest poem :) This is a very emotional and honest poem - whispers a bit of loneliness but not sadness... Gorgeous. I've go to share it on FB. :)
ReplyDeletePerhaps what we learn of trees -- how giving and interdependent they are in their uncultured element -- teaches us that we are less alone & more in love than we think!
ReplyDeleteHow can one not love the natural world around us, the whispering trees, the babbling streams, the inquisitive animals and the busy buzzing insects. Everything seems to fit a pattern except for us humans who tend to take the deviant path. No wonder why they are all so suspicious of us!
ReplyDeleteWhat lovely comments, friends. It is true, i have been in love with nature all my life. She has brought me much joy.
ReplyDeleteYour poem is incredibly lovely .... I had a weeping willow in girlhood. I understand.
ReplyDeleteSometimes, nature is all one needs. This is a beautiful story Sherry. Like Kim, I was drawn to this one too, but I have written a lot about trees lately, so decided to go with my second love- the moon.
ReplyDeleteA beautiful quote from a book I love. Such an introspective poem.. the final lines really touched me.
ReplyDeleteI can relate to this beautiful poem Sherry. When you are hurt young it does hold a lasting sting, that affects all our loves in one way or another. I love the quote you picked, and the lovely poem that came from it. I always enjoy your poems Sherry!
ReplyDelete"my inner trunk" - Trees feel like a part of me. I can understand your feelings. Beautiful poem.
ReplyDeleteI love the personification of the trees , the metaphors and self-analysis therien.
ReplyDeleteThere is a strength to standing on your own.
ReplyDelete