That Barren Branch

 

 

 

 

 

 

That Barren Branch

 

That barren branch

high above this desolate space

Crooked shade designs on a dying earth

Bent and twisted of past sunlight reach

Naked to the green-less world

Rough hewed collections

Of ant trail pathways

And rot of all that was good

 

Once filled with life, happy on the breeze

Summer fashions of leaf pattern wishes

Colors of blissful post card greetings

Bearing fruit of friendlier times

 

Now rests in solitude’s wicked grip

Knotted and splintered bark winding

to a tapered end of winter’s calling

Cold fingers on gray-cast skylines

Dying of desperate missings

Fading into a bleak sunset

Disappearing somewhere beyond the dark

That barren branch…is me

Reviews

[Diana]

It's winter. Perhaps the barren branch will bud in the warmer spring... (to extend your metaphor)

I really enjoyed this. It also reminded me of this quote: "A bird sitting on a tree is never afraid of the branch breaking...because its trust is not on the branch, but on its own wings." (Source unknown, seen online)

[Jack...]

Thanks Diana. I just wish I had faith in my own wings right now.

[Sami Khalil]

I guess barren branches are signs of the coming of winter , desolation , cold reality , loneliness and dark gloomy days. You have described their and your state marvelously. I hope you can hold on longer till the thaw...Bravo

[Jack...]

Thank you Sami. I am doing my best.

[Sami Khalil]

Wow. You are welcome...:)....

[Dr. Wood ?]

branches branch out each spring Jack.....This is sad yet there is hope ahead

[Jack...]

Thanks Doc. I always appreciate your visits.

[Larry Dyson]

"Now rests in solitude’s wicked grip"...ashame the solitude's grip is felt so wickedly...but I hear you ..it can be quite that...I have in the past been there...if you wish to chat just buzz me on here bud? Laury

[Jack...]

Thanks so much my friend, I will keep that in mind.

[redflutterby]

Don't fear...the buds and bright green leaves always return in spring. And even when barren a tree is still a living thing, just doesn't have its pretty coat on.

[Jack...]

Thank you Red, you are a good friend.

[icelandicblue]

Jack this feels so lonely. The barren branch waits for Spring that's why hope springs eternal ; )

[Jack...]

Thank so very much Anne. I am always smiling when you come to visit.

[Penlady]

I have always liked seeing the black lace patterns of winter tree branches against the sky...really interesting patterns and a stark beauty...your comparing yourself to that kind of a winter branch gives me a view of a person who has lived, contributed and now is resting in the cold of winter...waiting out the cold and anticipating the spring when absolutely everything gets another chance...thank YOU for writing...

[Jack...]

Well, thank you Penlady for taking the time to read and leave such kind words for me. I truly appreciate you stopping by.

[Pryde Foltz]

The barren branch is but sleeping. Enjoy the rest in the spring comes the blossoms. Wonderful write, Jack.

[Jack...]

Thanks Pryde, I just hope it gets here sooner than later.

[Lydia Shutter]

Oh, and I like your new photo!

[Jack...]

Thanks, this is my fall/winter photo...the other was spring/summer. :)

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Hey Jack you must have blue eyes!

[Jack...]

You didn't realize how beautiful I was...did you John?

[Lydia Shutter]

You are both making me laugh!

[Lydia Shutter]

Deep introspection in this one, Jack. The metaphor is a good one albeit a bit dark. The "fruit of friendlier times" sometimes seems plumper and juicier in the rear view mirror. Sunlight will reach the barren branch again....remember Springtime will follow the Winter. So it shall ever be. Well written, my friend. Lydi**

[Jack...]

Thanks so much my sweet friend.