Stunted Oaks

Consider the stunted oak tree.

Though never towering over
The meadow, the diminutive
Oak stands quietly content.
 
He knows that only
One tree can stand
Above the others.

That in order to know tall
Someone must be short.

That to know mighty,
Someone must be meek.

This tiny oak stands content,
In possession of the humble
Knowledge that mankind would
Do well to acquire.

The mightiest of oaks
Does not know the simple joy
Of the children at play
Far down by his roots.

From his place nearer the clouds
He does not see the rabbits
Who eat in the brush at first light.

If life has made you the stunted
Oak, then enjoy what beauty she
Has placed within your grasp.

Reviews

[TL Boehm]

so I should revel in my status as ground dwelling bottom feeding companion of cockroaches and camel spiders? cave troll that I am? I've never wanted lofty....I just want to stand on two legs for awhile...that's all
This poem though - sans my ornery reaction to it - speaks life and speaks life with eloquence, candor, and grace. Fine writing my blue friend.

[deactivated account. pl..]

I love the dynamic of this poem - how you can't have one thing, without the other.
there is no tall, without short.
it's very clever.
I greatly enjoyed it.

[Salvatore Buttaci]

Now this is a very well-crafted poem I enjoyed immensely.

Sal

[Debra Stevens Edwards (..]

As always You have taken a simple concept and worked it into a beautiful and thought provoking piece. Well written
and motivating each of us to look for the beauty that surrounds us. Then to see the other side as well.
Debby

[Seriana]

Jer, you always write such thought-provoking pieces. Hum, perhaps this vertically challenged girl should go off and ponder what I was given, eh? ;)
I think this stanza sums it right up for me.....
"This tiny oak stands in
Humble knowledge that
Mankind would do well
To ponder."

Lovely write. :)

[Emily B]

'We never know how high we are
til we are asked to rise
and then if we are true to plan
our statures touch the skies'
E. Dickinson