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

[knighngale]

aww, love it very much. you mention aging, but it's an apparent gest. thing is, there is clarity, and I love that she had so much fragility, and that makes her woman, and transcending, great read! :D

[Chris Shaw]

Pleased you enjoyed the poem. Thank you for checking in. Happy you did. This is an older poem of mine.

Chris

[knighngale]

oh wow, well its a great one :D

[Patricia]

So loving and beautiful with wonderful imagery. Full of color, light and emotion… That’s poetry

[Chris Shaw]

Hello lovely Patricia. Pleased you enjoyed this poem. Tree's do it for me. Love watching them.

Chris

[Patricia]

Oh me too! ;)

[Ken Simm.]

This is such an emotive write. Filled with lovely visuals it really hits my centre. Obviously given your revcent tragic history it so apropos as well. A beautiful tribute.

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks Ken for that lovely review. Pleased you liked the read. All the best.

Chris

[red93]

Beautiful swirling imagery in this one Chris - excellent realisation of the metaphors, very poignant and moving.

[Chris Shaw]

Appreciate this encouraging review Tony. Thank you so much. Have a great day.

Chris

[Weeping willow]

Wonderfully expressed words, love the flow and the images left inside my mind, have such a wonderful gift. Keep writing ;-]

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Weeping willow for your kind comments. I appreciate your visit.

Chris

[KAREN]

I love the imagery and the rhyme. I can.t pick a favorite stanza because they were all written beautifully. Nothing is built to last, but at least we have memories!

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Karen for calling on this older poem, out for a breath of fresh air. Pleased you stopped by.

Chris

[KAREN]

You're welcome!

[Aluppi Jampur]

Very nice, Chris. All things pass, and those special ones leave a lasting mark

[Chris Shaw]

A lovely review from you Chrome. My thanks coming your way.

Chris

[M. J. Smith]

Silver threads among the gold... Even the mighty Thor could not out wrestle Old Age. When gods fail how can mere mortals succeed? And yet, the science of vanity continues to try. Well written, dear lady.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you MJS. Know you are most appreciated.

Chris

[KATHY SUE SILLS]

I find this beautiful and also a little sad! Beautiful at how lovely trees look in Spring and then sad how winter's harshness kills them! Penned perfectly!

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Kathy. Yes it was a sad one to write. The demise of trees, always impacts on me. They are like old friends.

Chris

[KATHY SUE SILLS]

Always a pleasure!