Though Lovely Is Her Memory

Across the lea a north wind blows,

soon follows on soft swirling snow

to cover where the grass grows green.

Into the distance, there alone

and flanked between a wall of stone,

stooped low and twisted leans a tree.

Her branches bend, her branches ache,

caked heavy, burdened they will break

or wait for warmth to set her free?

Throughout the winter, chill and bleak

her ageing limbs are weary, weak,

and shiver in the biting cold.

Long gone those russets, gone the golds,

the rustle of October bolds,

in skirts that danced in autumn breeze.

Alas the verdant green in spring

will not adorn her frame again

nor will her blossom gently fall.

No living thing is built to last

like us this tree was doomed to pass,

though lovely is her memory.

Reviews

[Patricia Wedel]

Wa7f for. Cv. V Are d C CBC tvthg a C we es C. Hi Chris... I have no clue as to how this Strange Code appeared...
wish I knew! Sorry it took you down a “rabbit hole” like Alice in Wonderland.
Let us hope this does not happen again. Charlie Chan could not solve this Code! Tomorrow is my 🎉 Birthday.. so Life is precious to
me. My daughter will be on a Trip so she is having “flowers” delivered tomorrow morning April 23.. looking forward to receiving them. Stay young and Vibrant. fondly, Pat

[Chris Shaw]

Dearest Pat, I am intrigued by your response. I have been pondering for some time. It must be a coded message :) Or maybe a tree whispering in a soft summer breeze. My Dad would have broken the code by now being a wizz at maths and physics. Alas I haven't inherited his scientific brain. Sending love across the waves.

Chris

[Patricia Wedel]

dearest Chris... I adore your description of a soft summer breeze. It must be a secret message from an Angel that knows many mysteries. Be still and listen to your 💜 heart. tenderly, Pat

[petec3638]

Watch the tree if you can
There are several on the Rivellin Trail in the Whinlatter Forest blown down by the winds and too small to be worth recovering
some have grown new shoots from the old trunk, others have mini flower displays taking root

[Lorry]

I thought it was just me that had a favourite tree Chris so im glad to find out that isnt the case.
I called mine the thinking tree, because it wasin the middle of an unused field and despite knowing it was unused I did go on about 6 Mecca's before feeling safe enough to go sit in its shade.
Happierfor my tree at least it is still an unused field that will revert back to the state soon as no next of kin could be found when the owner died. Its in a protected area so hopefully a new housing development won't appear in its place.
It is awful when a tree falls though, through vandalism or illness and it never quite feels the same next time you pass and your personal landmark is gone.

[Chris Shaw]

Thanks Lorry and apologies for late response. I am slacking :) I hate the demise of trees that have been around for what seems like ever. Like losing an old friend. Long live your thinking tree and gave a good Tuesday.

Chris

[Lara]

Such a beautifully constructed write, Chris. It insists - for the reader's liesure and author's intent - "the silver lining" can exist.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you dear Lara. Trees have been like friends to me. I grieve their passing and remember them in their glory days, just like people.

Chris

[Jansy]

Chris, this struck me with a gentle ache. The way you trace the tree’s decline mirrors life so perfectly....the weight, the cold, the seasons passed...but that final line, “though lovely is her memory,” lingers like a soft exhale. It’s a quiet, heartbreaking reminder that beauty survives even in what cannot endure.
Beautifully rendered.
James☆

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you James for your encouraging reviews. Trees have played an important part in my life. I have an affinity with them. I have a sentinel outside my window. Their demise can hurt. The trees lost from my garden are remembered fondly.

Chris

[JD Major]

Yes, twisted, leafless trees, invoke somber thoughts, yet our eyes go straight to them.
I often walk around local Trout Lake, a big pond really, and such trees are kept for viewing, until safety requires their removal. This one hits home :)

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you JDM. I’ve got a real affinity with trees. They speak to me, dead or alive. The older, the better. I appreciate your visit and your thoughts:)

Chris

[willweb]

Kind of sad to picture that old tree, it lived a long life (I imagine) and produced many, many days of shade and cool breezes on those hot summer days and beautiful colors when fall arrived and now to picture it old and tired and falling to time. Wonderfully written but sad in nature.

[Chris Shaw]

Nature can be sad but it can also gift us some treasure. Thank you will for sharing your thoughts. You are appreciated.

Chris

[Anjeline]

The imagery you've created here is very beautiful. Also the description of the two seasons and it's effect on the tree was very aptly written. Nicely done :)

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks Anjeline for your very encouraging review. Sending you all good wishes for a happy and healthy 2023.

Chris

[Dave]

How sweet the memories. They are ever there to blanket the pain that once was. To lighten the load of the present. Have us recall the beauty that was there and, in many ways, still is. Hone our thoughts to those times in ages past when they were green and lush, filling our hearts with joy and the promise that only the future could hold. What a thought-provoking poem! Thank you - Chris.
Take care - Dave. Happy New Year to you and yours.

[Chris Shaw]

Many thank you’s Dave for your thoughts and your visit. Hoping you and yours are happy and well. Wishing you all the best for a happy 2023 .

Chris

[Betty Hermelee]

This is so beautiful!!! You bring the tree to life, as well as the seasons... trees die as we do... with heavy burdens too much to bear.... I love the way you show us how lovely autumn was with golden hues....and a slight breeze... but winter can be cruel and destroy some outstanding pieces of nature.... such as this poor tree.... LOVELY!
Best, B HAPPY HOLIDAYS CHRIS!

[Chris Shaw]

Dear Betty, thank you so much for your lovely review. Sending best wishes to you and yours for a happy new year.

Chris

[Betty Hermelee]

You're very welcome Chris!!! Happy New Year to you and yours!
Best, B