An Empty Space

(An old friend, soon to be felled)

in summer time beneath tree shade
my children sipped on lemonade
as branches stretched and branches swayed
in garden safety there they played

this cypress gifted tiny cones
for me it represented home
it stood there proudly on its own
my children now are fully grown

all living things on earth must pass
this friend of mine has breathed its last
my grey eyes now are downwards cast
a drawn out death prolonged not fast

too soon i’ll witness from my door
an empty space forevermore

Reviews

[Ern M. Yoshimoto]

this was an extraordinarily sensitive and heartfelt elegy, steeped in pathos and written as an excellent narrative. it might just be a tree to someone else, but it is so much more. one's soul can connect with anything - a plant, a place, or a person. the final couplet is heartwrenching, as the reader thinks about all the empty spaces in their life - left by those who we connected with. emotionally tense, but this work maintained a gracefulness throughout. you truly possess a poetic gift.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Ern. This tree had been in my garden for many years, so I was particularly sad to lose it. Some months later, the garden is very much lighter and the space isn’t quite as upsetting. I have adjusted, but still have my lovely memories. Thank you for such a warm review. I really appreciate your visits and your interesting reviews.

Chris

[JD Major]

For me it was my Grandparent's little house with it's wrap-around veranda where we played when it rained, and went inside to home cooking, and a dish of ice cream, and playing checkers on a old round oak table.
Then one day it was gone, burnt to the ground. No one was hurt, except that old house I love so dear.
...Thanks for sharing, Chris :)

[Chris Shaw]

And a big thank you for such a lovely share JD. How that must have hurt.

Chris

[JD Major]

You're so welcome Chris!
...yeah, that's life :)

[Dave Brown]

Another unfortunate tree scenario
I'd say you should each devote an hour a day to dig that dead tree's roots up in able to plant something to replace it
Oh yes, I know
Who asked me, but how about a beautiful Japanese Maple or something along that line.....???
So beautiful

[Chris Shaw]

If you saw the base of that tree trunk. You might think again. Him indoors is likely to turn it into a table. Tuesday is going to be a sad day. Down it comes. Thanks Dave.

Chris

[John the Baptist]

Very nice piece here depicting the bond between a human and a tree scheduled for felling. Something that has long occupied a space in our lives can come to be taken for granted, but its departure can leave a barren space. With a tree, it's not only the tree itself, but also the memories that are attached to it.

[Chris Shaw]

Thanks John. Our cypress will be felled on Tuesday. Not sure exactly how old it is but it could be as old as the house, which is 115. It will be a sad day. I appreciate your thoughts.

Chris

[Fabian G. Franklin]

I love the way the tree is appreciated and loved for its constant companionship and shade so much that it even gains empathy from the reader. All life is fragile and sacred but certain appreciations bring smiles of joy. Memories can do the same. I enjoyed the read. F.

[Chris Shaw]

It’s going to be hard to see this tree felled on Tuesday. It has beautiful memories. It’s been a friend. Thank you for sharing your thoughts Fabian. Appreciated.

Chris

[Fabian G. Franklin]

I so understand. There was an old walnut tree in our family yard that stood for fifty years or more. We kids climbed it, fell from it, built birdhouses for it, sat under it, ate under it...it becomes part of you. But one day, it began to wither and die. Just the way of all things I guess. The fact doesn't stop the empty left behind though. I did what you did. I wrote a poem about it. (smile) Hope your weekend is off to a great start and has a better finish.

[Chris Shaw]

All the lovely memories you have about your tree, I have about mine. It’s like losing an old friend. A written tribute is the least I can do. We will burn the wood once it is seasoned. She will keep us warm in winter.

[Andrew John]

So sad to have to say goodbye to a tree. Perhaps you should have had an oak! I've enjoyed reading this, though - several times now. How old was the cypress when she died?

[Chris Shaw]

Hi Andrew, we have lived in this house 40 years, it was a well established tree when we arrived. On Tuesday, the tree surgeon will be able to count the rings. This last winter finished her off. I think I’m gonna be sad. Oaks are sturdier.

Chris

[Chris Shaw]

Oh, thank you Andrew. I forgot my manners :)

[jacob erin-cilberto]

I hate it when beautiful trees die...and there is that empty space in the yard.
I hate it when dear friends die...and there is that empty space in the heart.
j..

[Chris Shaw]

That’s a poem j. A really nice one. One that touches my heart. I have lost many friends and several trees from my garden. I grieve for them all. None can be replaced.

Chris

[Neville]

This reminds me so much of what happened to my old acacia tree in my garden in Bulgaria and which I have also previously written about .. I like yours better tho' ... Neville

[Chris Shaw]

Isn’t it painful to lose trees Neville? This one which must be over 35ft tall, will be felled on Tuesday. I think I’m gonna be sad …..Thank you for stopping by my friend.

Chris

[Neville]

I sure would be too .. in fact I am already ..

[Arundass TP]

The reality of life expressed very well. Excellent philosophical poem. Keep it up.

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks Arundass for sharing your thoughts. I appreciate them. All the best.

Chris

[Arundass TP]

Welcome. Friend

[mou]

Sometimes I feel this is the exact place where we used to come and sit. And perhaps that old touch is still intact (at least) on a small portion of it which is somehow missed by its new guests. I know it may sound weird but still I do feel in this way. You have evoked the memories of my people. It is so beautiful write.

'...an empty space forevermore...'

The word 'empty' says how much those days and people mean to you. Again, a heartfelt write, Chris
- mou

[Chris Shaw]

Dear mou I am delighted that this poem meant something to you. I always like a trip down nostalgia lane myself. I thank you for your visit and sharing your thoughts.

Chris

[mou]

It is my sincere pleasure to read this beautiful poem