By Lorraine Walker Williams
Member-at-large, California and Florida
Have nothing to hide,
they are truth-tellers.
Keep promises that leaves will appear
season after season, year after year.
Are patient and allow blossoms
to unfurl before their litter of leaves.
Sometimes break under pressure
from wind and ice, but they put that
behind them and go on.
Aspire to be more than twigs,
creating nature’s sculpted art.
Provide a place for a swing to hang
or a child to climb.
Welcome a bird to perch
or a pair to nest.
Set a boundary between earth and sky
their shadows laze upon winter snow.
Everything has a purpose, doesn’t it? I love this poem and your imagery–much to contemplate.
Simple, straightforward imagery with profound messages. Great poem!
Very glad to start National Poetry Month with Bare Branches. The visuals Lorraine wrote give a picture of a tree and a human life. Thank you for this.
A poem worthy of all the various ways bare branches intrigue us in the leafless months. They do indeed “create nature’s sculpted art,” and what a beautiful final image, of their shadows lazing on snow. Lovely tribute.
Thank you for the fine poem creating a profound vision of the life of branches
Oh, to live with the patience of a tree! Their faith in spring seems always rewarded.
Thank you, Lorraine.
Claire Massey
NLAPW Poetry Editor
JUST LOVELY AND SO VISUAL
THANKS FOR SHARING
Nice
Beautiful poem Lorraine. Thank you for sharing. Loved your stanza, “Sometimes break under pressure – from wind and ice, but they put that behind them and go on.” We have much to learn from trees and the natural world … if we only open or eyes and hearts more. Blessings and Happy Easter!