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

[Poetic Beauty]

The circle of life is absolute. All living being have an expiration date. Nothing can live forever and I like this poem with its imagery about your lovely tree that has come full circle and it is now time for it to come to and end decompose and give nutrients for other plants to thrive

[Chris Shaw]

Sad to see beautiful trees die too. Yes full circle PB. Many thank yous. Pleased you enjoyed the read. All the best.

Chris

[Seriana]

This is beautiful Chris, in it's words, rhyme and presentation. Poems about trees are quite special. Comparing it to an aging woman adds the perfect touch when speaking of all the things that are failing, eventually lending her to her resting place. I wondrous way to end the cycle of life. Nicely done! You have a natural talent for formed writing. Very nice!
Amber

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you for that lovely review Amber. You have no idea how uplifted I feel.

Chris

[Pete]

wow. the other day in the park, a tree branch had been taken down by the wind. i mourn for it. the cycle of life. we remember what was but embrace what is. wonderfully thought-provoking. beautiful flow to a heartfelt conclusion ... :)

[Chris Shaw]

Thanks for a lovely review Pete. An old poem out for an airing.

Chris

[Rick Puetter]

Lovely, and executed in my preferred meter, Trochee Tetrameter. A beautiful subject and sentiment as well. High marks.

Rick

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you kindly Rick. This is an old one I decided to give an airing. Pleased you noticed it.

Chris

[darshu]

Wonderful expressions.. Great 👌

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you darshu so much for your visit and encouragement. Greatly appreciated.

Chris

[Broken.]

THE TREES!!! I love them. Just like you said, wonderful metaphors for life. They are amazing through every season and can paint such a nice image in my mind everytime I read about them. Really nice work. Looking to read on (:

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Broken. I do so love trees and have written many poems about them. They make great metaphors and you can personify a tree. I appreciate you visiting this older poem.

Chris

[Broken.]

Absolutely. I was like woah 48 pages! I'll have some good reading to do that will keep me occupied for awhile. Thank you!

[John the Baptist]

This haunting piece deals with that truth that hovers over everything physical, change. The poem's subject is an aged tree that is approaching the end of its journey. Its autumn glories are gone now, and it is unlikely the tree will see another spring rebirth. The final verse pronounces the somber verdict on all living things: change will take them. For the tree, however, there is a small compensation: "lovely is her memory."

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you John, for your thoughtful review. Your time appreciated.

Chris

[Kathy Van Kurin]

'Though Lovely is Her Memory
Christine Anne Shaw,
In the back corner here we had a flowering plum tree and cut it down.
It was just blocking a good portion of our vegetable garden.
Now I miss it's blossoms. Your poem was very meaningful.
Stuff is in a continual state of flux-change. What to do? It just is .
Blessings,
Kathy

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Kathy for giving this old poem an airing. I can imagine your loss at not having the blossom of that plum tree. To me trees become old friends. I appreciate your visit.

Chris

[Kathy Van Kurin]

Christine,
Yes, trees have a special place in this life. I find their symmetry and grace inspirational and sweet.
I wish you a wonderful week.
Kathy

[Gee]

Tis indeed a wonderfully written poem, I agree with Coyote. Love the form of this piece, might give it a go if I get chance and can find my sensible head.
Good morning Christine, hope all is well with you.

[Chris Shaw]

Good morning Gee. We still have sunshine. Hurrah. Pleased if I can inspire anyone to do anything these days. Have a go. Thank you for your kind review. Have a lovely day.