Stumps cut down in their youth
line the ditch. Roots full of life
with a
reach wider
than
their whacked-off crowns
cut off at the knees
(can you feel it?)
now
have nothing to feed.
The
parked bulldozer
(can you smell it?)
with
its claws in the dirt
is poised to make smooth
the way
of man.
But
wait.
(look closely)
Saplings
spring stubbornly
from stumps left alone.
The tree remembers.
Written for What's Going On Blog which challenges us this week to see both the dark and light in a world abounding with both and find a balance. Showing, somehow, the beauty and hope in a world that often feels dismal and divisive; with highlights to poems by Mary Oliver and Deena Metzger who do this all the time in their amazing poetry.
17 comments:
I LOVE that last line! Not so smooth the way of man.
Well, you know i just love that about trees! Whole trees can grow back from those saplings. I especially love nurse logs, with moss, ferns, lichen, mushrooms and all sorts of life covering them where they fall. Thanks for linking this lovely poem, Yvonne!
Ah, yes, the tree remembers! Though humans cut the forest, the saplings find their way to the surface and rise again! Love this.
I love this poem of renewal with a vital life force. The tree remembers. So true.
The trees remember, I have seen growth coming up out of stumps.
A necessary affirmation to start my day! I think, read together with Susan's poem where she asks what trees across the world will say to each other...there's so much power in rejuvenation and the stubbornness of nature...
Love how the saplings spring from the stump and then that beautiful line The trees remember
I lovely reflection on nature out-witting humans - Jae
Thanks Susan!
Good points. It seems a tree never dies.
Thanks Mary!
It's so true. Thanks.
It's truly remarkable. Thanks.
Thanks for your comment!!
Thank you, Marja
Nature will hopefully win the day.
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