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.

.

.

.-~=•˜The TREE˜•=~-.

:

It stands there 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, a drowning sea

that soaked 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 and grief;

now's, 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

[Julie McCarthy (juliesp..]

wow Richard love this, trees are wise old creatures i believe they feel and can see us.
I know that sounds like a lot of gobblegosh but I have proof, (dont put me in the mad house yet) lol.
I ground every day in my yard barefoot. so occasionally at dusk I go out well I go out a lot at dusk and stand barefoot and touch the trees, there is no breeze whatsoever, then as they feel me touch their leaves or branch, the top or bottom part of the tree and the branches nearby move in sway. Its quite beautiful then i noticed the ones next get my attention and do the same.
Maybe im psycho or psychic lol

Loved your write good rhyming !

[Richard&#128396;]

Hi, Dear Julie 🌿

It is rare anyone takes time to venture back into my portfolio for something to read and review, but I'm so very pleased you have taken the opportunity to do so … and, a more graciously generous, beautifully rendered review I cannot recall receiving.

Then, the cherry on top is that you've shared something personally wonderful and highly interesting to wrap my fertile imagination around … something I fully comprehend. I say this because, combined with your personal discernments on the conscious life of trees, I once read a book titled, "The Secret Life of Plants" that awoke in me a deep understanding of how floral and arboreal living beings feel and react when receiving the energy of outer stimulus. No, Julie, I don't think you're speaking gibberish or that you're a psycho, but I do recognize in you my harmonious soul.

That you love anything about my writing is a true blessing beyond words … yet, I'm ever-so warmly pleased you do.

Thank you, Dear Julie, for sharing my amazing live oak tree with me! ⁓ Richard🖌

[V]

Beautiful write. Though I'm not that much into classical rhyme schemes, you mastered it without a doubt.
I like the everlasting image about it; metaphoric, storytelling.

[Richard&#128396;]

Vanessa,
It is high pay, indeed, for an humble ol' bard to receive such accolades from a poetess who divests from classical rhyme, diverting from her normal preference, selecting this lengthy classical verse to read and comment-on, with such warm, appreciate measure.

Thank you sincerely for your wonderful enjoyment and encouraging praise, Vanessa! ⁓ Richard

[V]

You are welcome.

[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