Though Lovely Is Her Memory

Across the lea a north wind blows,

soon follows on soft swirling snow

to cover where the grass grows green.

Into the distance, there alone

and flanked between a wall of stone,

stooped low and twisted leans a tree.

Her branches bend, her branches ache,

caked heavy, burdened they will break

or wait for warmth to set her free?

Throughout the winter, chill and bleak

her ageing limbs are weary, weak,

and shiver in the biting cold.

Long gone those russets, gone the golds,

the rustle of October bolds,

in skirts that danced in autumn breeze.

Alas the verdant green in spring

will not adorn her frame again

nor will her blossom gently fall.

No living thing is built to last

like us this tree was doomed to pass,

though lovely is her memory.

Reviews

[Betty Hermelee]

This is so beautiful!!! You bring the tree to life, as well as the seasons... trees die as we do... with heavy burdens too much to bear.... I love the way you show us how lovely autumn was with golden hues....and a slight breeze... but winter can be cruel and destroy some outstanding pieces of nature.... such as this poor tree.... LOVELY!
Best, B HAPPY HOLIDAYS CHRIS!

[Chris Shaw]

Dear Betty, thank you so much for your lovely review. Sending best wishes to you and yours for a happy new year.

Chris

[Betty Hermelee]

You're very welcome Chris!!! Happy New Year to you and yours!
Best, B

[JD Major]

Yes, twisted, leafless trees, invoke somber thoughts, yet our eyes go straight to them.
I often walk around local Trout Lake, a big pond really, and such trees are kept for viewing, until safety requires their removal. This one hits home :)

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you JDM. I’ve got a real affinity with trees. They speak to me, dead or alive. The older, the better. I appreciate your visit and your thoughts:)

Chris

[willweb]

Kind of sad to picture that old tree, it lived a long life (I imagine) and produced many, many days of shade and cool breezes on those hot summer days and beautiful colors when fall arrived and now to picture it old and tired and falling to time. Wonderfully written but sad in nature.

[Chris Shaw]

Nature can be sad but it can also gift us some treasure. Thank you will for sharing your thoughts. You are appreciated.

Chris

[Anjeline]

The imagery you've created here is very beautiful. Also the description of the two seasons and it's effect on the tree was very aptly written. Nicely done :)

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks Anjeline for your very encouraging review. Sending you all good wishes for a happy and healthy 2023.

Chris

[Dave]

How sweet the memories. They are ever there to blanket the pain that once was. To lighten the load of the present. Have us recall the beauty that was there and, in many ways, still is. Hone our thoughts to those times in ages past when they were green and lush, filling our hearts with joy and the promise that only the future could hold. What a thought-provoking poem! Thank you - Chris.
Take care - Dave. Happy New Year to you and yours.

[Chris Shaw]

Many thank you’s Dave for your thoughts and your visit. Hoping you and yours are happy and well. Wishing you all the best for a happy 2023 .

Chris

[JENNY]

So true your poem always expresses one’s emotions in best way . Thanks for wonderful poetry Chris..

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Jenny for your encouraging review. Seasons best wishes to you.

Chris

[JENNY]

Your most welcome Chris.

[JENNY]

Your most welcome Chris . May you achieve your remaining goals by this year successfully.

[W. Barrett Munn]

This is quite the trip through the masterful use of iambic tetrameter to tell the tale. The snow is falling here, and my arms are growing weak.

Winston

[Chris Shaw]

Keep warm Winston and thank you my friend for your supportive review. All the best.

Chris

[Mk.t.g]

This is such a wonderful poem, Chris! Thanks for sharing it!

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you my friend. I appreciate your thoughts.

Chris

[Mk.t.g]

You're Welcome, Chris!

[Neville]

we know all things must eventually pass .. but why do so many of the best things pass on our watch .. sadly this is such a good poem I feel for the loss as if it were my own .. and that is one of the things that makes you special our Chris.

Neville

[Chris Shaw]

What a lovely review Neville. Got me blooming blushing you have :)

Chris