Poem

 

 

Now is the hour

 

The oak tree sees slow centuries.
they pass like days beneath his gaze

An ever changing tapestry

 of mankind’s little victories.

He watches kingdoms rise and fall

but they affect him not at all

He stands firm rooted in his place.

A member of a nobler race,

 the earth provides his sustenance.

He need not battle to

his power and authority

He stands aloof in majesty

 

Observes the progress mankind makes.

Their many errors and mistakes.

They do not seem to understand

 no man can dominate the land.

For Mother Nature frames the laws

and has the power to enforce

by use of fire, flood and drought.

Her wishes will be carried out.

Short sightedly men will rebel

 and seem to flourish for a spell.

Though nature has the final say

and wipes the works of man away.

 

Almost as if they’d never been

and clothes again the land with green.

She leaves sufficient evidence

to demonstrate that man’s pretence.

That he can dominate must fail.

Great efforts made to no avail

 by mighty empires in the past

Which were by nature overcast.

the ruins which they left behind.

Were left for modern man to find

He finds them but pays little heed

convinced by pride he can succeed.

 

Natures patience will run out

of that there’s very little doubt

The warning signs are clear to see.

Unless we listen carefully

and choose to change our wasteful ways

Then Mother Nature will erase

all the wonders man has wrought.

Destroy them all without a thought

She will retain some stock to breed

 but just enough to meet her need.

She’s done it more than once before

 but is prepared to try once more.

 

21-May-08

 

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Reviews

[Pointblank]

The majestic old oak got cut down in my neighborhood the same year my grandmother passed. The whole thing ironic it seems. Nature does renew itself in many many ways. I dont want to live long enough to see the damage that will become my backyard as it did hers. If I do I suppose I will stand firm as the old oak for my grandkids playing on the concrete in the direct sun. I don't have to say this poem spoke volumes for me. A touching read.

[Heavenly Scent]

I really enjoyed this one, it mirrors my own feelings very well :)

I really enjoyed the first verse the best - I can see the majestic old oak standing firm and tall, above us all! Thank you :)