I stood at the foot of a soaring Red Cedar
Time and weather had scoured its surface
Its roots rose out of the earth in places
Where storms had eroded the ground around their blind faces
The bark was knarled and fierce
Scarred with kicks
Divots of hide lifted by whatever chanced by.
My neck hurt as I stretched it back
To peer breathlessly into the canopy
When I laid my hand upon its trunk
I could feel its ancient energy
So I leaned closer
Forehead to rough bark
And asked
“How can you stand here, so serene. Does no one call you out for your lack of ambition. Or say your branches should have grown differently. That your leaves are not the right shade of green. You have no tasks to do, except to grow. Yet you are not castigated for growing to slow?”
I was slightly bitter, I admitted
That in this thick belt of trees, none of them, from the smallest to the largest, none of them seemed forced or sad. To the contrary, it was deeply peaceful
I kept walking, with one ear listening for their response
All I heard was the breeze and the birds, the rumble of a distant storm
Now I’m miles away from that tree
And to date I’ve leaned on many others
But that one, I swear, tugged on my sleeve as I walked passed
Tugged on my consciousness
And I haven’t stopped listening
I’m still listening
*header photo is not a Red Cedar. It’s a Gum. But this could be about any large tree, for they all share the same quiet dignity.
Heartfelt, Kate. Far too many of us fail to listen to the trees.
Hi Rosaliene, lovely to hear from you, I hope your garden is going well. I bought some succulents after on of your posts throat included photos of yours and they are thriving.
“ancient energy” Yes, so beautiful, Kate. Trees offer life and a lifetime of lessons. Thank you for your always inspiring and thoughtful shares. 🙏🏻
Thanks for reading Michele, I’m glad they resonate 💕
beautifully written Kate. There’s a part of me that would naturally submit a thought, but like that grandness of a tree that has persisted to grow into a fixture in the natural skyline, this is all there is to it, it’s regal and it will stay regal no matter how much time elapses. Mike
That is a lovely thought Michael
This is so moving, thank you for the beautiful thought.
Thanks for reading Martha 😊
So human to feel bitterness about another’s peace…I appreciate this honest piece.
Hi Monty I think it’s more the realisation that our expectations within society are so misguided at times.
beautiful relatable poem with such wisdom, Kate💗
Thanks Cindy 💕
Welcome, Kate💗