Masters of Wisdom

first appeared in "Branches," ApplePress, Inc.

An old apple tree,
with consciousness
of its impending death,
will, long before
this eventuality,
choose to give
all its energy
to the creation
of many new shoots,
who will always appear
closest to the trunk.

The force of this gift
leaves the tree vulnerable
to parasitic infection,
to strange and eccentric
flowering practices like
blossoming in the snow.

All of these habits make
the tree appear crazy
and without purpose,
but it wastes nothing,
even its decaying form serves
to shelter and feed its children
who strive ever upwards
towards the light of the sun.

Copyright 2007 huma

Reviews

[Gandré]

This was a good poem, I like its metaphysical aspects in an artful composition and the poetical manifestation, I loved those lines best (ohh everything was beautiful) :
to strange and eccentric
flowering practices like
blossoming in the snow. ----------so wonderful this allegory.

a great poem, indeed.

[Mark D. Chevalier]

Death...rebirth...death... an intricate cycle and yet so simple form of life. And you capturit with eloquence and poise.
Mark

[RAWR!]

a little rough, but i reaaaaaaally liked it :)


"All of these habits make
the tree appear crazy"

perhaps writing about one tree and not all trees would give it a more personal feeling

"All of these habits make
this tree appear crazy"

like so, (it would require other changes though cos mixing would jsut screw stuff up)
really nice eitherway, i like poems about nature.
well done and thank you for sharing.

[imm's place]

an inncredible pen with so much wisdom and co,passion enfolded within, mary

[Michael X]

An old appe tree with consiousness" what aspects itself as symbol of soul.. weathering time and adversity.. patterning life and how existance incorporates itself into the grand scheme.. how eternal tree presents
shoots to the world the way it is designed to "shine".. and like ill effects of the planet ..effects of
creation is a force from all side.. but wisdom metaphysically projecting itself as sage complying to destiny
overshadows life's cause.. in need even winter branches will bare fruit .. in its way.. mastering creation
I love this poem- your art is heart touchingly beautiful

to strange and eccentric
flowering practices like
blossoming in the snow."

[DANGER]

Art on trees will live just as long as the tree, if not longer. hopeful and sterile, but through the parable, dust and dust will shed the light it meant to. Feed with bread, the breath of life, and the smoke of death. Everything is just as concerned.

[Blue Sky]

impending death

your work here leaves one to ponder
upon these Masters of Wisdom
worded so wisely, wits on par,
excellent choice of words,
very nice to read your work!
Excellently penned!

[Michael]

It is a beautiful insight into the balance of nature, what better wisdom could be had? Be it plant or animal, no better immortality is had. You paint a delicate picture.

Good Job.

[RHEA CROSLEY]

Very insightful into the responsibility of building a good legacy. I appreciate the wisdom set forth in this poem. Thank you for sharing.