Hymn for the uncharted timbers

swale-weeper,

trunk

straight stone.

sometimes

there's no

other way than alone,

in a forest

ill-lighted with

nothing

to breathe to

but prehistoric

trees.

magnolia acuminata,

mother, no,

father.

both

sit hushed

and still

© 2020 Eilis

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Featured Review

SkinlessFrank

It’s probably the botanist to me but on one level I read this as the trepidation of the newcomer (Homo sapiens) treading into primeval Nature. The ancient Appalachian forests have always given me that sense, and when I am within their depths I expect to be confronted by woolly mammoths or some other great beast. We can feel naked in places such as this. On another level, it reminds me of how alone we are, even while amid our loved ones. The sparce use of words fits with the feeling of being overwhelmed by things so timeless, things that could care less about us. It’s probably the botanist to me but on one level I read this as the trepidation of the newcomer (Homo sapiens) treading into primeval Nature. The ancient Appalachian forests have always given me that sense, and when I am within their depths I expect to be confronted by woolly mammoths or some other great beast. We can feel naked in places such as this. On another level, it reminds me of how alone we are, even while amid our loved ones. The sparce use of words fits with the feeling of being overwhelmed by things so timeless, things that could care less about us. Rating /100 1 of 1 people found this review constructive. View 0 more replies Eilis 3 Months Ago The disinterest of the natural world can be overwhelming though I suppose we mirror that with our destructive impulses where nature is concerned. I enjoy contemplating ancient things, especially those that have had a longer existence than humans. Montessori education has a timeline of life that puts into perspective our time on earth in comparison to life itself. It is sobering to realize how much damage we have done in such a short time. Thanks for your comments. Always appreciated SkinlessFrank 3 Months Ago I appreciate those thoughts. There is a Dawn Redwood in the courtyard outside my office. Most of my students seem unimpressed whenever I tell them that it is a remnant of the Mesozoic era, whose ancestors give us the coal we burn. Eilis 3 Months Ago Yeah, I find it difficult to impress my students (my children) as well.

Reviews

SkinlessFrank

It’s probably the botanist to me but on one level I read this as the trepidation of the newcomer (Homo sapiens) treading into primeval Nature. The ancient Appalachian forests have always given me that sense, and when I am within their depths I expect to be confronted by woolly mammoths or some other great beast. We can feel naked in places such as this. On another level, it reminds me of how alone we are, even while amid our loved ones. The sparce use of words fits with the feeling of being overwhelmed by things so timeless, things that could care less about us. It’s probably the botanist to me but on one level I read this as the trepidation of the newcomer (Homo sapiens) treading into primeval Nature. The ancient Appalachian forests have always given me that sense, and when I am within their depths I expect to be confronted by woolly mammoths or some other great beast. We can feel naked in places such as this. On another level, it reminds me of how alone we are, even while amid our loved ones. The sparce use of words fits with the feeling of being overwhelmed by things so timeless, things that could care less about us. Rating /100 1 of 1 people found this review constructive. View 0 more replies Eilis 3 Months Ago The disinterest of the natural world can be overwhelming though I suppose we mirror that with our destructive impulses where nature is concerned. I enjoy contemplating ancient things, especially those that have had a longer existence than humans. Montessori education has a timeline of life that puts into perspective our time on earth in comparison to life itself. It is sobering to realize how much damage we have done in such a short time. Thanks for your comments. Always appreciated SkinlessFrank 3 Months Ago I appreciate those thoughts. There is a Dawn Redwood in the courtyard outside my office. Most of my students seem unimpressed whenever I tell them that it is a remnant of the Mesozoic era, whose ancestors give us the coal we burn. Eilis 3 Months Ago Yeah, I find it difficult to impress my students (my children) as well.

Neville

I will not attempt to pin a single interpretation to this poem... I can and I have already read it in several ways.. to me, it is a bit like those very clever visual images that demonstrate and or play with perception where for example one is asked whether they see a horses head or a beautiful woman.. there are several memorable ones... tis virtually impossible to see both images at the same time tho.... very much enjoyed Eilis.. very much indeed.. I will not attempt to pin a single interpretation to this poem... I can and I have already read it in several ways.. to me, it is a bit like those very clever visual images that demonstrate and or play with perception where for example one is asked whether they see a horses head or a beautiful woman.. there are several memorable ones... tis virtually impossible to see both images at the same time tho.... very much enjoyed Eilis.. very much indeed.. Rating /100 1 of 1 people found this review constructive. Eilis 5 Years Ago Hi, Neville. Thanks for this lovely assessment of the poem. I think that’s a perfect way of looking at it. Always nice to hear from you. All my best to you. Neville 5 Years Ago Always a pleasure Eilis .. always mine..

Robert Trakofler

this feels like an abandoned home no life or joy no bloom to anything like your the final witness in a dead world just biding your time till the end:( definitely has a sadness to this. Not your usual writing style are you "branching out?" sorry.... LOL this feels like an abandoned home no life or joy no bloom to anything like your the final witness in a dead world just biding your time till the end:( definitely has a sadness to this. Not your usual writing style are you "branching out?" sorry.... LOL Rating /100 1 of 1 people found this review constructive. Eilis 5 Years Ago Ha ha, cute pun, Robert. It’s an older poem that I posted after reading one of Gram’s poems that made me think of this. Your assessment is kind of how I feel myself sometimes when reading it. It’s still a bit of a mystery to me. I told some others that it was an exercise in painting mood rather than telling a story. It’s my older style. Thanks for your great comment. As ever, your visits are appreciated.

Mrudula Rani

This hymn is for solitude and grandness. You place your readers in the midst of woods and let them feel the atmosphere and experience, the peace quiet effortlessly. Eilis. I believe this delicate and angelic poem is a tribute to magnolia acuminata. The last stanza inholds doleful image of demise. This hymn is for solitude and grandness. You place your readers in the midst of woods and let them feel the atmosphere and experience, the peace quiet effortlessly. Eilis. I believe this delicate and angelic poem is a tribute to magnolia acuminata. The last stanza inholds doleful image of demise. Rating /100 1 of 1 people found this review constructive. Eilis 5 Years Ago Hi, Mrudula. Lovely to hear from you. I have always loved magnolia trees. I wanted one in my yard for most of my adult life. I love the flowers. Funny thing, when we bought our first house there was a magnolia in the front yard but it was in a shady spot and never bloomed. I was telling other commenters that this was written several years ago during my abstract period when I wrote to convey a mood rather than a story. This one is still a bit of a mystery to me, but I think you’ve captured the essence of the mood in your ideas. Thanks for your visit, I’m always glad to read your ideas. Mrudula Rani 5 Years Ago Your fondness for magnolia ( cucumber tree) stirred curiosity in me and I went searching for images and information. And fascinated by magnolia's beautiful yellow uncommon flowers. I hope you do get to grow a magnolia in your yard for your love of nature deserves it. I gain most wonderful knowledge form you dear Eilis . It is always a pleasure reading your poems. View 2 more replies Eilis 5 Years Ago That makes me happy to read, Mrudula. You are very kind. I am designing a garden at my new home and do plan to include at least one magnolia. Thank you for reading my poetry. Mrudula Rani 5 Years Ago Wishing you luck with your garden. Gardening is a very fulfilling hobby. All the best. Eilis 5 Years Ago Indeed it is, all the best to you, Mrudula

Chris Shaw

Hello Eilis. When I read your lines I saw you approaching and entering a huge forest of trees. Trees that had been there for an age. When I am in the presence of really old trees, my imagination really takes off. I imagine them almost as people who have lived through centuries and lived through stuff that I only read about in history books. I am often in awe of them. I think I would like my ashes scattered where there are trees. I like to be alone with trees too. I was getting feelings of emptiness and loss rather than life when I read you. I can't pretend to understand what was in your mind when you wrote this. All I can say is I felt loneliness in that forest. Chris Hello Eilis. When I read your lines I saw you approaching and entering a huge forest of trees. Trees that had been there for an age. When I am in the presence of really old trees, my imagination really takes off. I imagine them almost as people who have lived through centuries and lived through stuff that I only read about in history books. I am often in awe of them. I think I would like my ashes scattered where there are trees. I like to be alone with trees too. I was getting feelings of emptiness and loss rather than life when I read you. I can't pretend to understand what was in your mind when you wrote this. All I can say is I felt loneliness in that forest. Chris Rating /100 1 of 1 people found this review constructive. Eilis 5 Years Ago Hi, Chris. Always happy to hear your thoughts on a poem. The loneliness was actually the point of the poem for me when I wrote it, so you seemed to have picked right up on that. I mentioned in some other comments that this was an older poem where I was aiming for mood rather than sense. You caught the mood exactly. I love your ideas about trees. I feel the same thing. There's something sacred about them, and I turn to them over and over again in my poems to try to make sense of something. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and ideas. Much appreciated by me.

Beccy

I have always considered the sound of wind in the trees, incredibly restful and restorative; a kind of mysterious voice by which the forest is able to speak to us; share its ancient secrets. Humbling to know, is it not, that the tiniest little seedling will long outlast our blink of an eye three score year and ten. I heard music in this poem. Beccy. I have always considered the sound of wind in the trees, incredibly restful and restorative; a kind of mysterious voice by which the forest is able to speak to us; share its ancient secrets. Humbling to know, is it not, that the tiniest little seedling will long outlast our blink of an eye three score year and ten. I heard music in this poem. Beccy. Rating /100 1 of 1 people found this review constructive. Eilis 5 Years Ago Thanks, Beccy. Even though the trees aren't deliberately speaking for us, there is a beauty in the voices of leaves that you mention. I do appreciate your thoughtful ideas.

gram linski

I got a very meditative feel, but with some barbed tendrils along the way it's simplicity hides something just out of reach, verse 3 and 4 are quite ominous, and the last couple of lines could swing either way, great short staccato sound bites I got a very meditative feel, but with some barbed tendrils along the way it's simplicity hides something just out of reach, verse 3 and 4 are quite ominous, and the last couple of lines could swing either way, great short staccato sound bites Rating /100 1 of 1 people found this review constructive. This comment has been deleted by the poster. Eilis 5 Years Ago Thanks, Gram. Just deleted my awkward earlier response. This is the poem I mentioned on yours the other day that I had thought of when reading Stretch-head. The forest child forever hiding. It’s older, and from a period where I was pretty self-censoring, but I think it’s held up pretty well. Better than a lot of my others, anyway. Thanks, as ever, for sharing how it reads to you. I always appreciate your view.

CD Campbell

I revel in that sentiment that there is no other way but to put one foot on front of the other, face the wind with tears in our eyes and discover our own path into this world we were born in. Every day is uncharted territory and we do the best we can with what we have learned over the years. Not everyone has the guidebook of a mom and a dad, but let's face it, sometimes they can be an impediment to growth and adventure. So into the woods and the forest, low light filtering between the leaves, the senses are heightened, what can we do but go back or push forward? When we truly understand the dark fear that has us enthralled we can use it as an ally as we move on for good or for ill or have it control us. Ok, so maybe this is only a mood poem, but that's what I felt through reading. I like how there is so much said with short little like dagger stab stanzas. The ending lines are to do with what you will; make them natural concerning trees or dig up that layer. Another good one by you! I revel in that sentiment that there is no other way but to put one foot on front of the other, face the wind with tears in our eyes and discover our own path into this world we were born in. Every day is uncharted territory and we do the best we can with what we have learned over the years. Not everyone has the guidebook of a mom and a dad, but let's face it, sometimes they can be an impediment to growth and adventure. So into the woods and the forest, low light filtering between the leaves, the senses are heightened, what can we do but go back or push forward? When we truly understand the dark fear that has us enthralled we can use it as an ally as we move on for good or for ill or have it control us. Ok, so maybe this is only a mood poem, but that's what I felt through reading. I like how there is so much said with short little like dagger stab stanzas. The ending lines are to do with what you will; make them natural concerning trees or dig up that layer. Another good one by you! Rating /100 1 of 1 people found this review constructive. Eilis 5 Years Ago Your ideas are inspiring, CD. You have the pioneer spirit and I love the way the poem comes across to you. I do make an effort to see the world in that way. It’s not my natural way, but I know the fighting spirit is what gets us ahead. Resilience and grit. The wilderness can be a symbol for so many things. Poetry fits in that crook, or treetop, just the same. The great thing about abstract poems is they can be anything to anyone. I love the variety of responses for this one so far. It’s like a room full of minds connecting. Stuff like that gives me hope. Anyway. Thanks for your insightful comment. I do always appreciate the views you share here. And your time.

Linda Marie Van Tassell

This feels like my life, "alone in a forest ill lighted with nothing to breathe to but prehistoric trees, mother and father both still hushed and still." I am that swale-weeper, filtering the rain, trying to slog my way through the tears/years, no other way than alone. I can relate to every word of this poem. Beautiful and sad. This feels like my life, "alone in a forest ill lighted with nothing to breathe to but prehistoric trees, mother and father both still hushed and still." I am that swale-weeper, filtering the rain, trying to slog my way through the tears/years, no other way than alone. I can relate to every word of this poem. Beautiful and sad. Rating /100 1 of 1 people found this review constructive. Eilis 5 Years Ago Thank you, Linda. Yes, the aloneness of spirit. Something I feel intensely at times. One of my goals in poetry has always been to try to express that indirectly through creating a feeling. I’m glad you felt it in this, but not really happy to know you understand. I appreciate you sharing your experience. And your reading. Thanks again

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Reviews

[SkinlessFrank]

It’s probably the botanist to me but on one level I read this as the trepidation of the newcomer (Homo sapiens) treading into primeval Nature. The ancient Appalachian forests have always given me that sense, and when I am within their depths I expect to be confronted by woolly mammoths or some other great beast. We can feel naked in places such as this. On another level, it reminds me of how alone we are, even while amid our loved ones. The sparce use of words fits with the feeling of being overwhelmed by things so timeless, things that could care less about us.

[Eilis]

The disinterest of the natural world can be overwhelming though I suppose we mirror that with our destructive impulses where nature is concerned. I enjoy contemplating ancient things, especially those that have had a longer existence than humans. Montessori education has a timeline of life that puts into perspective our time on earth in comparison to life itself. It is sobering to realize how much damage we have done in such a short time. Thanks for your comments. Always appreciated

[SkinlessFrank]

I appreciate those thoughts. There is a Dawn Redwood in the courtyard outside my office. Most of my students seem unimpressed whenever I tell them that it is a remnant of the Mesozoic era, whose ancestors give us the coal we burn.

[Eilis]

Yeah, I find it difficult to impress my students (my children) as well.

[Neville]

I will not attempt to pin a single interpretation to this poem... I can and I have already read it in several ways.. to me, it is a bit like those very clever visual images that demonstrate and or play with perception where for example one is asked whether they see a horses head or a beautiful woman.. there are several memorable ones... tis virtually impossible to see both images at the same time tho.... very much enjoyed Eilis.. very much indeed..

[Eilis]

Hi, Neville. Thanks for this lovely assessment of the poem. I think that’s a perfect way of looking at it.

Always nice to hear from you. All my best to you.

[Neville]

Always a pleasure Eilis .. always mine..

[Robert Trakofler]

this feels like an abandoned home no life or joy no bloom to anything like your the final witness in a dead world just biding your time till the end:( definitely has a sadness to this. Not your usual writing style are you "branching out?" sorry.... LOL

[Eilis]

Ha ha, cute pun, Robert. It’s an older poem that I posted after reading one of Gram’s poems that made me think of this.

Your assessment is kind of how I feel myself sometimes when reading it. It’s still a bit of a mystery to me. I told some others that it was an exercise in painting mood rather than telling a story. It’s my older style.

Thanks for your great comment. As ever, your visits are appreciated.

[Mrudula Rani]

This hymn is for solitude and grandness. You place your readers in the midst of woods and let them feel the atmosphere and experience, the peace quiet effortlessly. Eilis. I believe this delicate and angelic poem is a tribute to magnolia acuminata. The last stanza inholds doleful image of demise.

[Eilis]

Hi, Mrudula. Lovely to hear from you. I have always loved magnolia trees. I wanted one in my yard for most of my adult life. I love the flowers. Funny thing, when we bought our first house there was a magnolia in the front yard but it was in a shady spot and never bloomed.

I was telling other commenters that this was written several years ago during my abstract period when I wrote to convey a mood rather than a story. This one is still a bit of a mystery to me, but I think you’ve captured the essence of the mood in your ideas.

Thanks for your visit, I’m always glad to read your ideas.

[Mrudula Rani]

Your fondness for magnolia ( cucumber tree) stirred curiosity in me and I went searching for images and information. And fascinated by magnolia's beautiful yellow uncommon flowers. I hope you do get to grow a magnolia in your yard for your love of nature deserves it. I gain most wonderful knowledge form you dear Eilis . It is always a pleasure reading your poems.

[Eilis]

That makes me happy to read, Mrudula. You are very kind. I am designing a garden at my new home and do plan to include at least one magnolia. Thank you for reading my poetry.

[Mrudula Rani]

Wishing you luck with your garden. Gardening is a very fulfilling hobby. All the best.

[Eilis]

Indeed it is, all the best to you, Mrudula

[Chris Shaw]

Hello Eilis. When I read your lines I saw you approaching and entering a huge forest of trees. Trees that had been there for an age. When I am in the presence of really old trees, my imagination really takes off. I imagine them almost as people who have lived through centuries and lived through stuff that I only read about in history books. I am often in awe of them. I think I would like my ashes scattered where there are trees. I like to be alone with trees too. I was getting feelings of emptiness and loss rather than life when I read you. I can't pretend to understand what was in your mind when you wrote this. All I can say is I felt loneliness in that forest.

Chris

[Eilis]

Hi, Chris. Always happy to hear your thoughts on a poem. The loneliness was actually the point of the poem for me when I wrote it, so you seemed to have picked right up on that.

I mentioned in some other comments that this was an older poem where I was aiming for mood rather than sense. You caught the mood exactly.

I love your ideas about trees. I feel the same thing. There's something sacred about them, and I turn to them over and over again in my poems to try to make sense of something.

Thanks for sharing your thoughts and ideas. Much appreciated by me.

[Beccy]

I have always considered the sound of wind in the trees, incredibly restful and restorative; a kind of mysterious voice by which the forest is able to speak to us; share its ancient secrets.

Humbling to know, is it not, that the tiniest little seedling will long outlast our blink of an eye three score year and ten.

I heard music in this poem.

Beccy.

[Eilis]

Thanks, Beccy. Even though the trees aren't deliberately speaking for us, there is a beauty in the voices of leaves that you mention. I do appreciate your thoughtful ideas.

[gram linski]

I got a very meditative feel, but with some barbed tendrils along the way it's simplicity hides something just out of reach, verse 3 and 4 are quite ominous, and the last couple of lines could swing either way, great short staccato sound bites

[Eilis]

Thanks, Gram. Just deleted my awkward earlier response. This is the poem I mentioned on yours the other day that I had thought of when reading Stretch-head.

The forest child forever hiding. It’s older, and from a period where I was pretty self-censoring, but I think it’s held up pretty well. Better than a lot of my others, anyway.

Thanks, as ever, for sharing how it reads to you. I always appreciate your view.

[CD Campbell]

I revel in that sentiment that there is no other way but to put one foot on front of the other, face the wind with tears in our eyes and discover our own path into this world we were born in. Every day is uncharted territory and we do the best we can with what we have learned over the years. Not everyone has the guidebook of a mom and a dad, but let's face it, sometimes they can be an impediment to growth and adventure.

So into the woods and the forest, low light filtering between the leaves, the senses are heightened, what can we do but go back or push forward? When we truly understand the dark fear that has us enthralled we can use it as an ally as we move on for good or for ill or have it control us.

Ok, so maybe this is only a mood poem, but that's what I felt through reading. I like how there is so much said with short little like dagger stab stanzas. The ending lines are to do with what you will; make them natural concerning trees or dig up that layer. Another good one by you!

[Eilis]

Your ideas are inspiring, CD. You have the pioneer spirit and I love the way the poem comes across to you. I do make an effort to see the world in that way. It’s not my natural way, but I know the fighting spirit is what gets us ahead. Resilience and grit.

The wilderness can be a symbol for so many things. Poetry fits in that crook, or treetop, just the same. The great thing about abstract poems is they can be anything to anyone. I love the variety of responses for this one so far. It’s like a room full of minds connecting. Stuff like that gives me hope. Anyway.

Thanks for your insightful comment. I do always appreciate the views you share here. And your time.

[Linda Marie Van Tassell]

This feels like my life, "alone in a forest ill lighted with nothing to breathe to but prehistoric trees, mother and father both still hushed and still." I am that swale-weeper, filtering the rain, trying to slog my way through the tears/years, no other way than alone. I can relate to every word of this poem. Beautiful and sad.

[Eilis]

Thank you, Linda. Yes, the aloneness of spirit. Something I feel intensely at times. One of my goals in poetry has always been to try to express that indirectly through creating a feeling. I’m glad you felt it in this, but not really happy to know you understand.

I appreciate you sharing your experience. And your reading. Thanks again