Endurance

Within Lynch Island's tangled tracks,

I stand before an English oak

whose girth exceeds all others seen.

Grey furrowed bark is tough on touch

as parasitic ivy clings

to vines that climb to giddy heights.

I circumvent a sturdy base

and with extended arms I reach

to measure round a wayward waist.

Five times I stretch with fingertips

beneath its overhanging boughs.

Five times the width of my embrace.

In days ahead with tree in leaf,

a canopy of heavy shade

will block each ray of lucent light,

and dark the pathways will become

that lead to where in May each year,

white bells of Loddon lilies bloom.

How many Kings and Queens have ruled?

How many tyrants thrived and died?

How many battles lost and won?

Yet undisturbed this tree stands strong

that's overseen the misery

of England's bloodied history.

If trees were able to convey,

if they could whisper words to us,

what secrets would they dare to tell?

That life prolonged on planet earth

is barely stirred by Heaven's grace,

far greater stoked by flames from Hell.

Reviews

[barleygirl]

I regularly gaze at my surrounding majestic oaks & think of all that they’ve watched over here in this spot. But in your poem, you’ve done this to a degree only imagined by me, before now. You are a wizard when it comes to painting details with startling freshness. Nice variation and flow of tree-ness and then people-ness and then questioning and then universe-ness. The way it all fits together is stunningly profound. Thanks for the inspiration (((HUGS))) Fondly, Margie

[Chris Shaw]

I am blushing Margie. You are far too generous.

Chris

[keith]

'Eskimo Blue Day'
Jefferson Airplane
Track 7 on Volunteers

'Doesn't mean s**t to a tree'

your workings speak for themselves! KUDOS!

[JessyJacob]

Hi keith.
How are you
I like your dp.

[keith]

alive and kick'in up a storm!
these are the most important days of my life!
i am living the dream!
i am in the saddle once again defending democracy against the likes of maga and the orange blob!

i am engaged! life is good my warrior mode is ON!

hope all is well with you friend

[JessyJacob]

What do you mean by kicking up storm and engaged?

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks Keith. I’ll check that track out. Keep well and keep going. Happy Friday.

read moreMany thanks Keith. I’ll check that track out. Keep well and keep going. Happy Friday.

Chris

[Neville]

I have long been a lover .. of trees that is .. and have known many as friends & confidants throughout the course of my life to date .. I have been known to hug them and to talk to them .. I was told as a child, or rather overheard it being said, 'he will grow out of it so don't fret' .. but it seems I never have ..

It also saddens me that so many have such BIG disregard for nature (trees) in particular and only think about themselves .. Anyway, I have waffled on too much but just want to say how much I enjoyed coming here today and taking on board each of the sentiments & uncertainties you have poetically alluded to ..

Have a terrific Thursday .. Neville

[Chris Shaw]

Sorry for late response Neville. A tree hugger will always be a tree hugger. I’ve not grown out of it either. Far too many have no regard for the treasure we have on earth. Thanks for stopping by and leaving your footprint on my page. Happy weekend.

Chris

[Neville]

no worries .. my pleasure

[jessyyjacob]

Hi chris,
How are you?
I wish you to drink buttermilk (1 glass buttermilk +2 glasses water) mixed and set outside over night. Drink this in early morning first you wakeup. This will cleanse acids that are blocking your digestion. And health of your total body. For everything digestion plays important role in beauty of mind and blemishless fair skin of face too. I tried and its working.

I wish i give this buttermilk every day for you.
I will tell ramu to prepare this for you.

Hope you are taking best care of you.

Thank you
Hav a best day
Jessy jacob.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Jessy. I have been resting and taking a break. Look after yourself.

Chris

[JessyJacob]

Hi chris, how are you.

Hope you are doing good.

I am missing you.

[John Sullivan]

Wonderful stuff, Chris. We need to take time for nature and reflection. Just wanted to stop in and say hello.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you John. Apologies for late response. All the best to you dear poet.

Chris

[Thomas W Case]

Wow. Amazing work. Endurance is key.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you kindly Thomas. Sorry for the delay in response.

Chris

[Stella Armour]

Ancient English Oak hs such a magical quality , it has absorbed so much history that it is part of our heritage.
Tree hugging to receive to a bit of serenity from such a spititual source is a beautiful experience ...

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you dear Stella. Sorry for late response. Taking a break. Hope all is good with you and yours 🌹

[Stella Armour]

All good thank you Chris, taking a long break from this myself, enjoy the rest of the summer 😎

[Jerry Ables]

Excellent imagery in this piece. I enjoyed the read very much. May you and yours live ever peacefully and safely! :)

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you for a lovely comment. Sentiment reciprocated. Sorry for late response, I have taken a break.

Chris

[Jerry Ables]

You're very welcome! :)

[Einstein Noodle]

closing grabs me .. i love the tree hugging attempt in the measuring .. so easy to picture you doing just that, Chris .. our trees are so important and as older Native Americans might say .. trees do talk .. and whisper and sigh ... so interlaced .. thanks for this inspiring piece ..
E.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you dear Mr E for your lovely comment. Sorry for delay in responding I have taken a break. Hope all is good in your world.

Chris

[Einstein Noodle]

breaks are good ... i take a lot of them these days ;) luv on ya!

[A, Amos]

Your poetry is elegantly written, beautiful crafted, and I was simply mesmerized with the last verses,
Now I am going to view trees differently, maybe one day they speak!
You my friend are truly deep artist.
Cordially
A. Amos

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you so much for a wonderful review. Sorry for the delay in replying. I have been having a break. All the best.

Chris