A Tree Poem

Those mighty trees that spread their arms

were once as tall as you.

And none have felt the sweeping strokes

of what a saw could do.

Yet underneath those street-lined wings,

resplendent in strong wood

arise a row of rural homes

where once their brothers stood.

And though I'll bask in summer shade,

I'll feel a tinge of guilt.

We've lashed with hatchets many down

to yield what we have built.

"Quell those notions of demise,"

I hear an oak tree say.

"Look around at what we've done

and what you have today!"

"The forceful sounds of violins,

the sound of new guitars;

the look and feel of brand-new books,

the storage for memoirs."

Perhaps you're right, old friendly oak,

but this I strongly pray:

that all the trees upon my block

avoid the axe and stay.  

Author's Note

The original picture disappeared. :(

Reviews

[Dave Brown]

I used to be a chainsaw murderer however, as a woodworker, I am now only taking wood that has fallen on its own and I have also done a large amount of replanting
Please forgive me.
The trouble with wood is that it is a wonderful, reusable resource
The reality is that it is partly the trees own fault
Very nicely written piece

[Relic]

I'm familiar with that particular aroma wood gives off when drilling or cutting into it. It does smell good. But I still wish I had my old trees back instead of these mass produced houses. :)

[Dave Brown]

I certainly would not argue with that

[nadia dmitri]

Wow this is a wonderful piece, the rhyming is so well used. I adore trees and personified nature in poetry, comes off as very polished and professional.

[Relic]

I appreciate your comment, Nadia. Thanks. :)

[Vol]

Relic,
I have no commentary. I simply love this poem.
(Okay, I lied about no commentary)
Somehow this reminds me of a couple of troubles I have. First, about trees, they have personal friends since childhood. I've climbed them, built three-story treehouses in their heights, fallen to the ground from their hidden recesses, and built buildings from their remains, but most of all, I have cleansed my soul by getting lost in the lush, green depths of a forest womb.
Secondly, I also think of other things we use without thought. We delight in the intelligence of octopuses, but eat them, same with swine... I love seafood, but am done with eating my eight-legged earthly companions... Pork, though... dang! HAM! BACON! MEMPHIS BAR-B-QUE!
Vol

[Relic]

hahaha, I'd have to agree with you on the bacon. :)
Thanks so much for the comment.

[Bhuyanshi Talukdar]

Your poem is a beautiful reflection on the way that human development can sometimes come into conflict with the natural world, and the way that we often take for granted the beauty and wonder of nature. I loved the way that you used vivid imagery and powerful language to convey the idea that even though we may benefit from the fruits of human development, we should also be mindful of the impact that it has on the natural world around us. Your words are a powerful reminder of the importance of preserving the natural world, and the way that nature and human development can coexist in harmony if we are mindful of our impact.

[Relic]

Thanks very much for your well thought out comment. It's much appreciated. :)

[Bhuyanshi Talukdar]

My pleasure 😊 if you have time, do check my poems too and let me know what you think.

[FGFRANKLIN]

Trees by Joyce Kilmer (because she says it so much better than I can)

"I think that I shall never see
A poem lovely as a tree.
A tree whose hungry mouth is pressed
Against the earth’s sweet flowing breast;
A tree that looks at God all day,
And lifts her leafy arms to pray;
A tree that may in Summer wear
A nest of robins in her hair;
Upon whose bosom snow has lain;
Who intimately lives with rain.
Poems are made by fools like me,
But only God can make a tree."
I enjoyed your tree poem. I love them. They're one of my favorite things in this world.

[Relic]

I believe I read that poem many years ago. It's great.
Thank you for your comment Fabian.

[John the Baptist]

Very good rhyming and a nice sentiment here. Where I live now used to be county farmland. It was suburban when I moved in, and now it's considered urban. The developers are doing their best to eradicate as much green space as they can. Though the trees that shelter them are getting sparse, the deer still are occasionally seen.

[Relic]

Thanks John. I used to have three houses on my street. Now it's filled from top to bottom on either side with cookie cutter houses. There's hardly any trees left except the ones the builders planted. The owners of the houses don't like them so they cut them right where the branches start. They look like weird coat racks.

[Miss Sharon]

Nicely spoken! Truth and wisdom my friend. ~Sharon

[Relic]

Thank you, Sharon. :)

[Chris Shaw]

Well worth another visit. Two hundred trees in an area of beauty near my home about to be felled to make way for more homes. Yes, we need them on our over populated island, but there are brown sites where they would be better suited. Hate to see the demise of healthy trees Tim.

Chris

[Relic]

I sure am familiar with trees being decimated for houses. I too live on an island and I don't recognize my town anymore. Thanks for the comment, Chris.

[Kelly Scheppers]

I've often wondered why it is they (trees) fascinate me so. Is it their roots, like our own? Is it their strength and capacity for letting go, which teaches us a lesson well learned? I truly love how you speak for them here, Tim. The street where I lived as a child was lined with mighty oaks, and I've long held the image of their stoic nature to this day. Much enjoyed, Tim.

[Relic]

Thank you for the comment, Kelly. :)

[Susan 🦋]

So being a nature lover as I am... I'm with avoiding the axe! (Sometimes It can't be helped or is just necessary due to disease and such) This is an interesting flip in theme. The" Oak tree" points out the uses of wood etc. and it's true. But still, the flip caught me. lol I've probably read too much of the "Giving Tree!" Loved the poem, Well done :)

[Relic]

Thank you, Susan. :)

[Charlie's Enigmatic Wre..]

Trees are such powerful entities to me, this poem resonates quite deeply. Lovely work!

[Relic]

Thank you very much, Charlie. :)