By The Old Hanging Tree

Blackmore's Night - Hanging Tree - Lyrics - YouTube

There she stood 

by the lonely crossroad, 

 great oak tree 

with her fair branches, 

 and pale green leaves. 

 Strong she stood 

facing the winds that blow, 

 and never she forgot that 

 once 

she was the old hanging tree. 

 The days went by 

and firmly she stood 

 as they came, 

 again and again 

with ropes of grief 

 and by her strength 

they took what they seek, 

 and 

 she cried, heartbroken, 

 when they used her as 

the old hanging tree. 

 For nowadays luckily 

 those times are gone 

 and there she stood now 

by the cheerful crossroad, 

 listening the laughter of children 

 and with her fair branches, 

 where little birds 

were singing behind her leaves. 

 Strong she still stood 

facing the winds that blow, 

 but deep in her roots 

there always lingered on 

 that gloomy memory, 

 and 

 never she forgot that 

once 

she was the old hanging tree.

Author's Note

I heard Blackmore's Night song 'Hanging Tree' and I wrote this poem because of it.

Reviews

[Coyote Poetry]

The hanging tree, used often in movies. Dear Sarah. A hanging tree, in myth and tale. A haunted place where death had kissed. I like the Blackmore's Night song 'Hanging Tree' too. Blackmore, one of my favorite music. I enjoyed the poem dear friend. Thank you for sharing the amazing poetry and your thoughts.
Coyote

[~Sarah~ Idríel The Fair]

Thank you for sharing your thoughts.

[Coyote Poetry]

Hello dear Sarah and you are welcome.

[Sami Khalil]

Was not familiar with the song. I googled it and listened. Very charming as your poem commemorates the song and the events the tree witnessed from human cruelty and evil to other better things.

[~Sarah~ Idríel The Fair]

Thank you for reading and comment.

[Sami Khalil]

You are welcome.

[Kerra]

Wow, I really the imagery i got with this write, There is a peacefulness I felt this. nicely expressed and emotional as well

[~Sarah~ Idríel The Fair]

Thank you.