The Willow Tree

Off in a pasture, too far to see, a girl sat under a willow tree.

The branches tilted towards the earth, and the dainty leaves drooped like a mother's sad face, after losing a child.

The girl wept for hours, with tears of stone, slowly turning the tree into her home.

The sound of her sobs broke the strong wind, and the air settled around her like a blanket.

In the distance, a cow heard her cries, and journeyed over to find out why.

The cow approached the girl slowly, and with great compassion, nudged her where she lay curled up into a ball.

"Why do you cry, dear lonely girl, what so tragic has occurred in your world?"

The girl was startled by the appearance of the cow, it was very large as it stood towering over her.

For some time, the girl spoke through tears, telling the cow of her horrid fears.

Time passed as the girl went on and on, until the cow had to stop her.

"Do you only fear, not unlike us all, that you have anywhere to fall?"

Confused, the girl wasn't sure how to answer the cow, so she remained silent.

"Young girl, if nothing has occurred, nothing wrong has been spurred. Your fear itself isn't an action alone, but it has turned your tears to stone. If life is waiting, bold yet gray, do not waste anymore of the day."

The girl ceased her crying and glanced at the pasture, with its beautiful trees and sun-drenched meadows.

With much hesitation, and fear within, the girl left her animal friend.

She ventured the pasture; she roamed, she discovered-without returning to her saddened spot.

The cow, now alone by the tree, watched as the wind erased the leaves.

The branches crumbled away, and the trunk slowly sank into ashes.

The cow sighed, as he kicked over stone tears, next to the tree-kept only alive with fears.

Once the fear is gone, the tree shall go too, only to return when fear surpasses life.

The cow slowly faded, to return only once back home, to visit the young girl's simple gravestone.

A thriving willow tree stood, hovering over the grave, with the humble breeze of a new day.

 

 

 

 

Reviews

[Coyote Poetry]

A very good story. I had to read a second time to get the complete tale. I like the description of the willow tree and the location. A lone grave does create attention. Thank you for the outstanding poem.
Coyote