GIVING YOUR ALL

The life of one special tree that became a true and selfless friend.

GIVING YOUR ALL
 

When she was just a child, You offered a haven for play... Your sturdy limbs giving rest As they were climbed in tomboy style. When she was too busy in play To stop for lunch, you offered The sweetest of all picnic fare... Fruit in abundance in your season. When she first knew love You never flinched as she methodically Carved initials into your trunk To tell the world her secret. When she introduced her firstborn To the world, you offered your shade To cool his fevered brow While she sang him to sleep. When her child went off to war and did not return, In anger, hopelessness and despair She hacked you into oblivion in a futile attempt To assuage her anguish and pain. As you lay dying in the summer sun, She sat in solitude on your remaining stump, And with no apologies or remorse.... She offered you her tears. <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Inspired by the book ''The Giving Tree'' By Shel Silverstein

Reviews

[Lydia Shutter]

A story of life....the happiness and the sadness. Personification of the tree. It has an old hometown feel to it. Those who live in the same place from birth till death often have a favorite tree in the yard of the home they grew up in. I even had a favorite boulder rock in my yard in NJ. I enjoyed this write, Sharon. Lydi**

[Miss Sharon]

Thank you Lydi for your kind review of this write! ~Sharon

[shadrach hah]

Hi Sharon, I do love trees and I do love the content of this poem. You share your emotions so freely in this realistic write. You give your tree life through such gentle words. Through joy to pain, you lead us so skilfully. The life of a tree mirrors reality in this powerful poem. Have a wonderful Friday. Hugs always....Mike.

[mattavelli]

Hello, Sharon! :)
That took a tragic turn. I won't try to imagine my own child's death, but that closing image is haunting. One of my nephews died a few years ago. His mother had a terrible time after. She still has low periods of slightly destructive behavior.
Thanks for sharing.

[Einstein Noodle]

wow ... poignant and emotive .. reading put me in a place i just sat back in the moment of the closing .. and she sat without remorse nor apologies .. just making an offering of her tears .. incredible insightful character in this woman ... for me this is most assuredly a winner Ms. Sharon .. thanks so much for sharing .. so worthwhile my friend!
E.

[Miss Sharon]

Thank you ever so much my friend for your beautiful review of this write! ~Sharon

[John the Baptist]

A eulogy for a tree may sound strange at first, but I found myself moved by this one. The faithful tree was there for all of the important moments of a woman's life, but when that life turned unbearably sad and angry, it received the violent brunt of her anguish. But even in death it continued to provide her succour. When we are in extremis, it is easy to forget the support that is always there.

[Miss Sharon]

Thank you so much for your generous and perceptive review of this post! ~Sharon

[Chris Shaw]

I have a silver birch outside my bedroom window for the last 38 years. My sentinel through all the seasons, all the trouble and strife. Your poem is both beautiful and heartbreaking Sharon. I will have to read the book that inspired this piece. So sad the tree was hacked down, but sadder still the tears cried while she sat on the stump. Trees are such friends to me. I have an affinity with them. Keep safe and well and thank you dear poet for your wonderful.poetry. It is a gift.

Chris

[Miss Sharon]

I am moved and grateful for your beautiful review my friend. Thank you so much! ~Sharon

[jacob erin-cilberto]

I love the word "assuage"
and i really like your personification of the tree. Reminds me of a special tree in the front yard of the Guttersons' farmhouse in Vermont where we used to stay in summers. And for a fall weekend...a beautiful
maple.
It watched over me when I was a little kid...I loved that tree.

[Miss Sharon]

Thanks ever so much Jacob for your review of this write! I too had a special tree as a friend as a child. Spent a lot of hours in her arms. ~Sharon

[Chris Shaw]

You are welcome Sharon :)