The TREE (perseverance and determination)

Rhyming Couplets formed into Quatrains to save on vertical length, in an aabb, ccdd, etc; rhyme scheme, lines of iambic tetrameter (8-counts/4 poetic feet) … in homage to the Highest Spirit in us all.

.-~==˜ The TREE˜ ==~-.

:

It stands high on that barren hill,

with limbs stretched wide, sunlight to fill.

The tree grew proud, so strong and high,

its branches reaching t'ward the sky.

.-~*~-.

The tree looked down and saw bare stone,

in silence cried, “I’m all alone;

but, I’ll face fate without a fear,

one day to find fulfillment here!”

.-~*~-.

In Springtime, skies brought gushing rain,

as storms built strong in harsh disdain.

Gales slashed the tree that had no choice,

with their wild force of vernal voice;

.-~*~-.

Then, falling ... fell down hard to earth,

on shard-strewn soil that gave it birth

The tree was broken, filled with pain;

but, struggled ... then, stood up again.

.-~*~-.

The Summer’s day produced a storm,

from tropic air, both thick and warm.

Gilt lightning flashed a jagged fire,

to strike the tree with violent ire.

.-~*~-.

Consuming flames flared hot with glee,

seared tender branches off the tree.

If not for quenching rain's downfall;

perhaps, it might have taken all.

.-~*~-.

Through Autumn's craze of frigid flak,

its limbs grew stiff to freeze and crack.

Heard Winter portent's warning spell;

deprived of leaves … again, it fell.

.-~*~-.

The tree, once sure, now filled with doubt;

for, it, this season, might die out.

Though, stripped and raw upon that hill,

it swore to life ... come on what will.

.-~*~-.

Then, Winter came with frigid snows,

the direst, yet, of savage blows.

Through splintered dread of icy hell,

felt numbing pangs in thawing's quell.

.-~*~-.

Despair engulfed like drowning sea,

to soak so deep into the tree.

Each Winter does one Spring day end;

it's then, all wounds begin to mend.

.-~*~-.

Yet, scarred from life, it lives on still;

there's newfound hope atop that hill.

The tree's known pain of loss 'n grief;

now, learned the value of each leaf.

.-~*~-.

One sunlit day in early Spring,

the tree looked down and saw this thing.

Neath gnarled, protective arms of wood …

a tender little sapling stood.

:

.-~=<†>=~-.

:

·

*

Richard W. Jenkins

~ ©1976 ~

Photo by G.Dan Mitchell

PhD WINNER

Nature Poetry Contest

Author's Note

Another long one … this, from the early archives.

Constructive critique and helpful comments are always welcomed (by anyone)! : )

Reviews

[Kathy Van Kurin]

"The TREE"
Richard,
From the text and the photograph depicting the perseverance and determination I see your theme. The picture looks like a very well established tree far along in years and still intact albeit a bitt lopsided. I like it though because many of us understand the effort to be, live, persevere and do the best we can. Your poem is all about doing the best one can.
"Then, falling....fell down hard to earth
on shard strewn soil that gave it birth
The tree was broken, filled with pain;
but, struggled....then stood up again."
This was a very meaningful poem, full of meaning for any person whom feels that they cannot go on.
Blessings,
Kathy

[Richard&#128396;]

Again, Kathy,
You perceive the very core essence of my intent, grasping the deeper, more intricate details of this poem's message.
I may surprise you, though, to know it is about me, but knowing You, it might not. : )

Thank you for gracing my page once again, gifting an humble bard such graciously rewarding favor … hugs to you, Kathy! ⁓ Richard

[Kathy Van Kurin]

Mr. Richard, your the coolest! You have a colorful heart which gives strength. In honest portrayal to others affirmation is shared.....I like It. Hugs to you Richard! Nice ending to your comment.
I hope today is a really good one.
Kathy

[Richard&#128396;]

" Big smile!"

[Roland Petrov]

Spill those early archives, Richard! These longer ones double our pleasure. "Craze of frigid flak" is a line I'd steal were I a thief. Just a lovely poem.

[Richard&#128396;]

Ah, Roland,
You are welcome to honor me by stealing anything you want … I write to share and furnish my fellow poets with enjoyment in whatever way they wish it, so borrow at will.
Big smile of thanks to you, My Friend! ⁓ Richard

[SyberRose]

I enjoyed this Richard...beautifully written...I love the spring and the autumn...especially the colors of the changing leaves...I like the way you ended the poem...and thank you for posting a golden oldie...Rose..have a great weekend.

[Richard&#128396;]

Ah, Dear Rose!

From an artist of your caliber, your enjoyment and praise of this long-ago piece is touching and inspiring, indeed, and the sharing in your thoughts of love for Nature and her splendor warm me all through with such wondrous beauty … your lovely review, a poem within itself.

Thank you with warmest hugs, and best wishes for your weekend, too, Sweet Rose ~ Richard

[Kelly Scheppers]

What a lovely, poignant story, Richard! I was so happy with your closing line. You gave your reader hope!

[Richard&#128396;]

Kelly,
I am thrilled you chose this one to read and review; it's an old one, but I think it still has some luster left.

Yes, it is sad to know that anything suffers as the oak did, but it made it stronger, too, and able to protect that little one. : )
It is (sorta) my own story, too.

Thank you warmly and sincerely, Kelly, it means a lot to me that you in particular read and enjoy my poems! ~ Richard

[Kelly Scheppers]

When I was a little girl, our street was lined with oak trees. What a pageantry of color they were, and a safe harbor for birds. Very few of them are there today, but the memory of them still lives within me. I love how the wind rustles the mighty oak!

[Richard&#128396;]

How close and dear you make me feel with your sharing of youthful days, Kelly … I can almost see those oaks and hear their leaves chatting with the wind. : )

[Saurabh7677]

Really beautiful poem.I really enjoyed reading it.

[Richard&#128396;]

Gee, thanks so much … I appreciate your time and am so very glad you found it favorable, my friend.

Blessings to you! ~ Richard