Banana Tree

reflecting on myself, inspired by a tree

Lov-e-ly banana tree,

How nice to see you're just like me

Shedding leaves you no longer need

But never letting go

Lov-e-ly banana tree

Do you not see these layered leaves

Make shelter and such tender eaves

For pests to call their home?

       You show the world unfolded leaves

         But little are you showing

          The hidden tender shoots do grieve

             When stifled and not growing

Oh, lov-e-ly banana tree

Please tend your garden carefully

Let go of thieving deadened leaves

And show the world your glory

Reviews

[FIN]

Reads to be an expression toward someone (a friend/family/oneself) to shed those unneeding, dying, undeserving, unwarranted, nonsensical parts of themselves fully in order for the individual to shine through and let go and show that they are truly great, not only to others, I feel, but to themselves as well.

Whilst acting as a reminder to protect oneself from such vulnerablities that can arise when such shedding begins.

A pretty read. Highly enjoyed the " 'lov-e-ly' banana tree" rhythm/repetition; it creates a calming and kind and gentle atmosphere.

nicely composed.

Much love,

LR

[D Connolly]

thank-you so much! You nailed it my friend :)

[Kathy Van Kurin]

'Banana Tree'
D Connolly,
Shoots coming forth and leaves to shelter creatures hiding that need protection. Just as the banana tree needs mild temps and cutting back regularly so do we. Your lovely poem is a wonderful look into nature and hence, us.
Great job!
Kathy

[OldAccount]

That was beautiful. Sweet and short, and deceivingly simplistic. Very well done!

[D Connolly]

Thank-you MaiaSki

[Einstein Noodle]

sure do like this wisdom and metaphor/personifications .. we spend a lifetime gathering things around us to reach an age in which we start letting go ... things held with such need and importance are simply in the way ..great stuff .. and i enjoy the almost child like voice in this one ... oh banana tree indeed ;))
E.

[D Connolly]

Thank-you Einee!!!!

[Einstein Noodle]

:) ..................

[Valentine]

It would be nice if like the trees each year we could shed the old, bad, worn, dying, or unpleasant and just begin again in the spring. If only....Valentine

[D Connolly]

It would be nice! I try to take as many lessons from the natural world as I can

[barleygirl]

I love the friendly & playful tone here. The analogy of shedding leaves that shield our tender parts is a definite thought-provoker. I love using nature as a guide to show how things can be done. This one is singing with originality!

[D Connolly]

Thank-you Margie, I always love when you visit

[Dr. Wood ?]

Reads like a song and no doubt should BE one

[D Connolly]

Thank-you Dr!

[Lyn Anderson]

This little banana tree says much -- a lovely analogy -- strong, and proud, delicate and sheltering, vulnerable, but stubborn, and will prevail.

[D Connolly]

Thank-you KL

[Norman 223]

Our banana tree is now lurking in our shed to protect it. My "Fair Lady" has cosseted and trimmed it for about 10 years now. Perhaps a little judicial pruning will keep me going, too. :-))

[D Connolly]

Pruning is good!

[Sheila Kline]

An interesting take on letting go of the bad, and accepting reality that also displays the beauty of life, the lov-e-ly parts of it! We must let go to enjoy the good and allow rebirth to occur....such a nice banana tree to do all of this; must be in the garden of Eliza DoLittle LOL.
I played Freddie Hill's mother in a community theatre performance many years ago now, and remember the love-e-ly.

[D Connolly]

haha, it is something from my childhood that makes me smile :) I always think lov-e-ly