MOODS OF THE TREES

seasonal change

MOODS OF THE TREES

 

Trees stretch their limbs

Awaken to an orange dawn

They billow to us

Dangle their emptiness

As a gentle wind stirs them

Some are centuries old

They tire in winter

From footing in frigid

No leaves to drape them in warmth

 

Take notice of their mood:

Weary, gloomy, unsettled

 

In spring

their boughs

Uplift to reveal they have defied

The long winter freezes

As the sun heats their offshoots

Miniature buds crop up

A profusion of color

 

Take notice of their mood:

Content, triumphant, blissful

 

Their features transform

Leaves swath them

Clothed to flaunt

Sun’s intensity sustains their surge

Wrapped in opaque green

Rain pelts them

Yet their mood remains calm

Hence, they value the nutriment

 

In fall

Colors shift to red, orange, yellow hues

Winds gather to shake leaves

Sun’s strength peters out

Yet, throughout this stretch of time

Colors magnify into

A myriad of abstract designs

 

Take notice of their mood:

Pensive, hopeful, anticipatory

They are an intuitive bunch

Discerning the overture

Of the frosty broadcast

In which they will foot exposed once more

 

Author's Note

Do trees have sentiments????

Reviews

[Patricia]

I too love the trees, the various types, they talk, they groan, they move like a skilled dancer, they give life. I had the most beautiful Maple in front of my house, it was a selling point when I bought it and after ten years she got sick and couldn't save her, she was perfect. I wrote hundreds of poems at her feet. lovely poem B. and the answer is yes, of course. :) Love P

[Betty Hermelee]

Thanks, thanks, thanks P for an excellent review.
Love B.

[Patricia]

You're welcome :)

[Ada]

This was a really nice write on trees...your language was very plush; additionally you do a nice job of illustrating their cyclical nature.

[Betty Hermelee]

Thank you Ada for visiting me and reading my poem, appreciated.
Best, B

[William Michael Reeves]

I believe they do. I've heard of research as a fact that they react to emotion. And I want to believe they are sentient in some way. I love your unique form in this poem. Emphasis lines are so interesting to let the read pause for a moment and contemplate the thoughts. I really like the idea that a calm tree gets nourished. I really enjoyed this poem Betty!

[Betty Hermelee]

Thanks WMR, appreciate you review!
Best, B

[Fran Marie]

Trees stand undressed in
the cold frigid season
of wintertime I imagine
they do have their moods
just like we humans are
exposed to the elements of
each season; plays on moods

a lovely piece Betty so
we'll penned in fine detail

[Betty Hermelee]

Thanks so much Fran for a very lovely review.
Best,
B.

[Dave Brown]

Our most valuable (?) overused, abused living resource
Research has shown that in an established forest area a Mother tree mingles roots with smaller offsprings, helping them through difficult periods of growth
When a forest is logged it throws the remaining trees into state of confusion, resulting in more difficult growth
I believe they have sentiments
I both talk to, and hug all my trees and worry with them through difficult times
It is good to see people more inclined to the plight of trees and recognize their immense value to our atmosphere
I understand, they have, in their stoic way, nominated this as poem of the year and will soon send out trillions of new buds to celebrate the occasion
Congratulations

[Betty Hermelee]

Thank you Dave for a heartfelt review!
really appreciate it.
Best, B.

[Chris Shaw]

Such a beautiful poem Betty. I have a close affinity to trees. I have a silver birch in close proximity to my bedroom window. It is my sentinel. For nearly forty years a friend through all seasons. Not only visually beautiful but they chatter away too. Sometimes a soft whisper, other times mean and moody. I just love watching their movement. Always an inspiration to this poet. Thank you for sharing your beautiful poetry Betty.

Chris

[Betty Hermelee]

Such a beautiful review Chris Thank you, always appreciated.
Best, B

[M. J. Smith]

Wonderful imagery! If dryads still lived among men surely this would bring one to your home in gratitude. I am sure they would ask you to read it to all their friends. An amazing poem.

[Betty Hermelee]

Thank you for your amazing review!!
Best, B

[M. J. Smith]

You are most welcome, fellow poet. And I say again wholeheartedly, an amazing poem.

[John the Baptist]

Interesting note, Betty. Do trees have sentiments? I have heard they communicate among themselves via underground root systems. In the poem you note how they seem to have certain moods in different seasons.
At least they don't get grumpy. I frankly wouldn't want to have to deal with a grumpy sequoia.

[Betty Hermelee]

Thanks always for a fine review John.
I think trees do communicate in some way.
Best, B

[jacob erin-cilberto]

I have several very old and very tired trees and each spring, the comebacks are harder on them.
Soon, they will be torn down, just like old lives of humans.
Humanity has its seasons of life as well.
My branches are withering.

[Betty Hermelee]

Thank you J... that was my whole point, a fine review.
Best, B