Searching For Answers

tiny shoots of green
appear where
catkins catch
spring sunshine

silver birch bark
gleams where dark wood
pales in background's shyness
barely noticed

bird song beguiles
a symphony of notes
a chorus sent
from heaven

my tree speaks to me
in language I understand
listen as nature calls
to impart her wisdom

after the storm
there will be reflection
after the storm
there will be questions

Reviews

[Patricia Wedel]

dear Chris... interesting how questions and reflections seem to go together. The only way for things to be better is to reflect and question.
Nature does sooth our feelings and gives us strength. With Rain and Sunshine... we grow and become the Voice that brings the right decisions to influence those who can change the World. Beautiful poetry. tenderly, Pat

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you dear Pat. Questions and reflections certainly aid clarity. This is an older poem out for a spot of fresh air. Thank you so much. Beautiful day here today, hoping the same for you :)

Chris

[Patricia Wedel]

Hi Chris … the Weather is pleasant .. it has been Hot after Rain Storms two days ago. We are using Fans for Cross-Venelation… hugs, Pat

[Chris Shaw]

We need fans today Pat, it is stifling here. Unusual for these parts. Take care dear friend.

[Jimmy Yetts]

Haven't I told you? You're haunted by trees.
Seem kinda fond of birdies, too.
Gorgeous creation, poetess!

[Chris Shaw]

Dear Jimmy. I think you may be right about me being haunted by trees :) I certainly have an affinity with them. So pleased you enjoyed reading this effort of mine. Take care.

Chris

[Patricia Wedel]

dear Chris... such a pleasure to read about buds of
hope where birch trees speak with you in tones of wisdom.
Love the "background's shyness... barely noticed".
Your last verse is an Intermission in a Saga unending
'until further Notice'... Amen... Pat

[Chris Shaw]

Your poetic responses Pat are always a delight. Always a pleasure getting a visit from you. Take good care of you and Roger. All good wishes and love.

Chris

[Carola]

i like your poem i'm a nature lover too, this poem says a lot in a rather delicately expressive way.
wish more people would stop to listen & look at the beautiful swaying motion of trees, branches & leaves & who lives there. maybe then our government's & council's trusteeship of our natural habitat would be more considered & better managed.
hopefully our grand-kids & g-grand-kids will asking some deep questions about our generation's modus operandi.
cheerio carola

[Chris Shaw]

Always good to have a visit from another admirer of trees carola. I thank you for the interest you show me. You are appreciated. Take good care and keep safe and well.

Chris

[.]

This reads like a poem for our post crisis world; nature has endured, we have suffered and when this storm passes we will seek the answers we need for our suffering. Personal reflection and introspection is probably one of the few benefits this crisis will leave us with. With the WHO still protecting China and nothing being done about the Wuhan wet markets from whence the virus evolved, we should be demanding our questions be answered. The trees may have wisdom, but many of us do not. So the cycle will continue. Much enjoyed, this one. :))

[Chris Shaw]

I do agree with you Jamila WHO are protecting China. There are many questions and I sincerely hope we get action and answers. Your visits and comments are appreciated dear poet. Keep well.

Chris

[Gee]

And no doubt recriminations and political points scoring.
Beautiful picture painted with your words Chris.
Good morning, hope you are safe and well.

[Chris Shaw]

All good here Gee, trust the same for you. There will always be political point scoring. If only they would work together, especially on such a devastating issue. We can but hope. Thank you for your visit.

Chris

[Beccy]

Always we question, looking for answers, seeking to change the dynamics of the natural world; when, as you so accurately point out, what we really need to do is to listen more carefully to the wisdom of mother nature.

I think poets, perhaps more than many, understand this; or at least, are able to articulate their understanding, which is both a blessing and curse as we chart what seems to be the sadly inevitable demise of our species.

This virus is a storm that will pass in time; but it will leave an indelible mark.

A beautifully written poem.

Beccy.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Beccy. Yes we are in the middle of a savage storm and it won't be forgotten. I appreciate your visit and thoughtful review. Keep you and your boy safe and well.

Chris

[emmajoy]

These words truly do talk, Chris. Am a tree hugger, perhaps you are.. and know that if one listens and listens, ear to the bark.. one hears so much movement from that city within. Plus. each season expresses the hidden and rarely explained passing of time, it just is. What goes on in Nature, the Outdoors, is Life itself. We humans could learn so much from what's there. Have taken to walking slowly around my garden the past few days.. reminding myself as you are here in your subtle and lovely poem that..' after the storm - there will be reflection - after the storm - there will be questions[ Think of that as a hint of something wrong, of a fracture, a spore, a misshapen something.

The wise gardener, the wise human being, takes notice, acts to repair.. then stays by watching.. if not.. Loss

[Chris Shaw]

Dear Em, yes I am certainly defined as a tree hugger. There will be many questions and I hope answers too after this storm has subsided. The damage is devastating. The losses make you weep and the end isn't even in sight. Sending you warm wishes and love. Take good care of you. And thank you for checking in.

Chris

Chrus

[John the Baptist]

As usual, this poet excels in painting a word picture of a scene from nature. The poem puts us in an idyllic setting so clearly that we can feel the relaxation setting in. It's such a relief from the grim online and print news that we want an extended stay. The last verse tells us, however, that we haven't entirely escaped. Yes, reflection and its attendant questions will come after the storm. I think many of us are asking them already.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you John for your lovely review. There will be many questions for sure. Right now we need to get through it. Keep safe.

Chris