The TREE (perseverance and determination)

Rhyming Couplets formed into Quatrains to save on vertical length, in an aabb, ccdd, etc; rhyme scheme, lines of iambic tetrameter (8-counts/4 poetic feet) … in homage to the Highest Spirit in us all.

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.-~==˜ The TREE˜ ==~-.

:

It stands high on that barren hill,

with limbs stretched wide, sunlight to fill.

The tree grew proud, so strong and high,

its branches reaching t'ward the sky.

.-~*~-.

The tree looked down and saw bare stone,

in silence cried, “I’m all alone;

but, I’ll face fate without a fear,

one day to find fulfillment here!”

.-~*~-.

In Springtime, skies brought gushing rain,

as storms built strong in harsh disdain.

Gales slashed the tree that had no choice,

with their wild force of vernal voice;

.-~*~-.

Then, falling ... fell down hard to earth,

on shard-strewn soil that gave it birth

The tree was broken, filled with pain;

but, struggled ... then, stood up again.

.-~*~-.

The Summer’s day produced a storm,

from tropic air, both thick and warm.

Gilt lightning flashed a jagged fire,

to strike the tree with violent ire.

.-~*~-.

Consuming flames flared hot with glee,

seared tender branches off the tree.

If not for quenching rain's downfall;

perhaps, it might have taken all.

.-~*~-.

Through Autumn's craze of frigid flak,

its limbs grew stiff to freeze and crack.

Heard Winter portent's warning spell;

deprived of leaves … again, it fell.

.-~*~-.

The tree, once sure, now filled with doubt;

for, it, this season, might die out.

Though, stripped and raw upon that hill,

it swore to life ... come on what will.

.-~*~-.

Then, Winter came with frigid snows,

the direst, yet, of savage blows.

Through splintered dread of icy hell,

felt numbing pangs in thawing's quell.

.-~*~-.

Despair engulfed like drowning sea,

to soak so deep into the tree.

Each Winter does one Spring day end;

it's then, all wounds begin to mend.

.-~*~-.

Yet, scarred from life, it lives on still;

there's newfound hope atop that hill.

The tree's known pain of loss 'n grief;

now, learned the value of each leaf.

.-~*~-.

One sunlit day in early Spring,

the tree looked down and saw this thing.

Neath gnarled, protective arms of wood …

a tender little sapling stood.

:

.-~=<†>=~-.

:

·

*

Richard W. Jenkins

~ ©1976 ~

Photo by G.Dan Mitchell

PhD WINNER

Nature Poetry Contest

Author's Note

Another long one … this, from the early archives.

Constructive critique and helpful comments are always welcomed (by anyone)! : )

Reviews

[Kathy Van Kurin]

"The TREE"
Richard,
From the text and the photograph depicting the perseverance and determination I see your theme. The picture looks like a very well established tree far along in years and still intact albeit a bitt lopsided. I like it though because many of us understand the effort to be, live, persevere and do the best we can. Your poem is all about doing the best one can.
"Then, falling....fell down hard to earth
on shard strewn soil that gave it birth
The tree was broken, filled with pain;
but, struggled....then stood up again."
This was a very meaningful poem, full of meaning for any person whom feels that they cannot go on.
Blessings,
Kathy

[Richard&#128396;]

Again, Kathy,
You perceive the very core essence of my intent, grasping the deeper, more intricate details of this poem's message.
I may surprise you, though, to know it is about me, but knowing You, it might not. : )

Thank you for gracing my page once again, gifting an humble bard such graciously rewarding favor … hugs to you, Kathy! ⁓ Richard

[Kathy Van Kurin]

Mr. Richard, your the coolest! You have a colorful heart which gives strength. In honest portrayal to others affirmation is shared.....I like It. Hugs to you Richard! Nice ending to your comment.
I hope today is a really good one.
Kathy

[Richard&#128396;]

" Big smile!"

[θεά]

Oh beautiful! Simply brilliant writing!
I was tempted to compare this to Wordsworth's 'Daffodils' in the first stanza, and then when I kept reading all the onslaughts the tree had to endure, I was about to chime in with an Angelouesque 'Still I Rise' reference. But who am I kidding? This is RWJ at his sublime best! And I am so glad you referred this poem to me. So very glad!

Needless to say, this gets shelved with my favorites. I'd probably have to install an RWJ bookcase just for your poems.

As always reading your works is a pleasure.

Best,
M.

[Richard&#128396;]

Thank you ever-so gratefully, Mallika, for reading this marathon piece, and for such inspiring and encouraging appreciation!

To be mentioned in the same breath as Wordsworth and Angelou is praise far higher than I could have ever wished, and certainly far above my humble stature … yet, the thoughtful inference gifts a warming blush!

Yes, I had thought you might appreciate the message in this monumental piece, and that my poetic efforts should occupy a place on your bookshelf is honorable gratification I could only dream of.

Your pleasure is my joyful goal, Mallika … bless You all your days! ⁓ Richard

[marcus]

Yes, this was very lovely Richard! The life of a tree, a journey through the seasons, and so much more.
I like how through the story of a tree you have captured the life and struggle of us as well. The journey, through pain and hardship, that we all must go through, to realize self worth. The confrontation with our own mortality, and frailty. The value of perseverance, in life. And ultimately, the realization, that through our offspring we may gain immortality. New life, can grow out of dead wood.

[Richard&#128396;]

Marcus,
I thank you most gratefully for reading and commenting on this truly amazing poem.read moreMarcus,
I thank you most gratefully for reading and commenting on this truly amazing poem.
Incidentally, you are the only reader of this poem, since it was written (almost 40-years ago), who hit every nuance and essence of its meaning completely and accurately.
A huge "Congratulations!" for that, My Keen-Minded Friend.
I'll add that your review is the most conclusive and insightful, as-well … which, is more praise (in its own way) than if you had slathered me with kudos, warm fuzzies, and pats on the head and back.
What you may not have grasped is that this piece is metaphorically the story of my life — up until the time it was composed.
Thank you again, Marcus, for one of (if not the) best reviews I've ever received! ⁓ Richard

[Lawrence Brown]

Thank you for this piece. It is a good write. I apologize you didn't make it to be a finalist. But I did enjoy this piece a lot.

[Richard&#128396;]

Thank you for the consideration and the nice comments! ⁓ Richard

[Richard&#128396;]

BTW: I, actually, won the contest, Lawrence> : )

[J.J. NIGHTINGALE]

Lessons to be learned here.. weather the storm..survive..
Besides that, well done ! ...I like poems based on nature..
We humans can relate to the battle scars..the slings and arrows of life
and the hopeful renewing
Of springtime....

Jasmine..............:)

[Richard&#128396;]

Yes, what you say rings true.
Thank you so very much, Jasmine! ⁓ Richard

[J.J. NIGHTINGALE]

You are welcome Richard..................... Jazz

[mattavelli]

Hello, Richard. Your tree had a rough year! This is written beautifully. The story flows smoothly with vivid imagery as you brutalize this poor tree. One thing "stumped me". How did the tree stand up after it fell?
Thanks for sharing. Matt

[Richard&#128396;]

Hello yourself, Matt!
Yes, the TREE did have a rather hard go of it, and what higher praise could I expect than that of yours for my humble efforts in writing … thank you ever-so sincerely, My Friend.
As to the TREE standing back up after it fell, I think you have it in you to comprehend this is an inspiring metaphorical message of human condition, utilizing the daunting travails in experience of the TREE to deliver it.
For my sharing this work, you are certainly most welcome, Dear Matt, and for your reading of it and the wonderful review, it is my pleasure to thank You! ⁓ Richard

[Beccy]

I really enjoyed this; so well written and with such a smooth, easy flow. The whole is lovely and the last verse quite sublime.

Beccy.

[Richard&#128396;]

Dear Beccy,
Your generosity, lovely commentary, and inspiring praise virtually float off the page and envelope me with the tender warmth of appreciation and understanding.
What more could a hopeful bard wish for than these … warmest hugs of thanks, Beccy! ⁓ Richard

[Kaya]

This is so deeply touching. It was so easy to connect with and at the same so beautifully worded. It felt effortless (though I'm sure it wasn't in the writing process!)

Thank you for putting this up. Truly Truly Beautiful.

[Richard&#128396;]

I cannot imagine feeling any more warmed and appreciated than I do right now, in the glow of your appreciation, enjoyment, understanding, and praise of and for this deeply-meaningful poem.
I would like to also thank you for recognizing the effort it took to build it into its present form, emotion, wording, and message in its telling.
Bless you, also, Kaya, for your presence … I still feel the spirit of your warmth! ⁓ Richard

[Sheryl]

Exceptional metaphor for overcoming obstacles and endurance, grief and many more
cycles that humans go through. I love the rhythm and rhyme a very beautiful, heart-felt
sincere write, I'm loving this one!! Huggs me

[Richard&#128396;]

Sheryl,
No one has the knack of making me feel that my efforts have not been for naught and worthy of appreciation, enjoyment, and praise like you have.
Thank you warmly for loving anything me, and for the wonderfully blissful "huggs"! ⁓ Richard

[The Archon]

This is a very good portrayal of the tree and what it endures. Reminds me of the saying, "praise and blame come and go like wind and rain. Stand like a great tree in the midst of them". Thanks for sharing.

[Richard&#128396;]

It is I who thank you, as-well, my fine poet friend, for your time in reading this lengthy composition and the thoughtful words in quote in its honor.
Thank you, too, for the very nice compliment! ⁓ Richard

[...]

This is stunning! The hardships and cycles of being, living, and rebirth, all told from the wisdom of a tree! I love trees and I LOVE this beautiful poem.

[Richard&#128396;]

Gosh, Dear Lynn,
I cannot thank you enough for letting me know how well you grasp the essence and spirit of this piece, and for your sweet gift of praise and love for it … this means so very much to me.
I think "stunning" describes You perfectly … warmest, most thankful hug to you, Lynn ⁓ Richard