The Praying Tree

Every oak tree started out as a couple of nuts who stood their ground. - Thoreau

down by the assuming, concrete and steel bridge that spans a once sacred river

before this weary waterway passes by the suffering, old, brick mill

is a young tree directly in it's flow

growing as if bending over backwards for an eternal sip

kneeling in nature's pew

when the moody river crests and whitecaps dash against its prostrate, imbibing branches

ice forms 'pon its extremities when the sun turns its back and chilled moments or gelid nights reign for a time

like raw diamonds in a mine

i happened to spy this one day as i sat on a nearby bench with my faithful, four-legged companion milo and marveled at its grandeur

in an undeniable testimony to nature's prowess

now, whenever i pass by that place

i stop to reckon its presence

whether 'tis mild or cold

whether i feel young or old

meek or bold

this is the story told

of but a lonely, praying tree

resolute and bold

out of sorts like me and trying to stay whole

standing its ground whilst stretching in a current of inflection in order to stay in control

refusing to sell its soul

Author's Note

"I believe that there is a subtle magnetism in nature, which, if we unconsciously yield to it, will direct us aright." - Thoreau

Reviews

[Betty Hermelee]

A stunning scene you set here Pete. I can relate to this as I often walk by a small river where many trees are holding their own for dear life....gnarled and hanging in different forms, at angles...still standing in pride...and withstanding the wind; they are pieces of art...riding the storms and praying for relief; very well crafted Pete, I enjoyed reading it!
Warmly, B

[Pete]

thanks b. nothing better than when someone "gets" your poetry. just watch out for falling branches. we just had a foot of snow followed by a heavy rain a couple of days later, both with strong winds. a tree limb just missed my car in the parking lot here where i live near the river ... :)

[Betty Hermelee]

wow! be careful, the weather is crazy!!!
Warmly, B

[Pete]

sure is! i'll be 'round for a read soon as soon as i can ... :)

[John Sullivan]

I'm a city boy myself, the charms of nature are hard to find where I live... give Milo a scratch under the chin for me!

[Pete]

thanks for the kind sharing. i'm about to take milo for our daily adventure down by this very river ... :)

[John Sullivan]

Enjoy the outdoors! It's raining where I'm at, but it should be nice later this week.

[Coyote Poetry]

I loved the poetry Pete.
"i stop to reckon its presence
whether 'tis mild or cold
whether i feel young or old
meek or bold
this is the story told
of but a lonely, praying tree
resolute and bold"
I liked the above lines. I live where the Clinton River is near. I go to her. At Lake St. Clair. Giant trees touch the lake. We must become like the trees. Withstand the storms. Thank you my friend for sharing the outstanding poetry.
Coyote

[Pete]

a river along with all of nature is alive. sounds like you know what i'm saying. there is much for us to learn from her. you speak a deep truth and thank you kindly for sharing ... :)

[Coyote Poetry]

Was my pleasure Pete.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

so much like humans who want a good long life without having to sell their soul to have it.

As the young trees learn, they bend but hopefully do not break.

love this metaphorical wonder.
j.

[Pete]

thanks j. you affirm an existential truth. there is much to learn in nature's classroom if we are willing. happy new year brother ... :)

[June bug]

Wow, this is quite intriguing, well crafted write here, This is wonderful.

[Pete]

kind of you to share. thanks jb ... :)

[Gee]

Sort of sums up the elderly as in later life the cling on to life, knowing all that they shall miss when gone.
Reminds me of my old mum's last few months on this planet

[Pete]

you highlight a good point - we need to have more respect for life and all it has to teach us. thanks for sharing honest thoughts gee. appreciated ... :)

[Gee]

My pleasure

[willweb]

I have several very old oak trees on my property, probably in excess of 200 years old and two of them sit on the edge of a ridge overlooking a free-flowing creek. Half of their roots are exposed on the creek side but still they hang on and I would venture to guess, they will be there long after I am gone. I really liked your poem about the stately oak. They are magnificent trees.

[Pete]

indeed, as a kid i remember a mighty oak at the top of our street. the nearby sidewalk would be littered with acorns amidst the scurry of squirrels. there was another with a large opening at it's base - my brother and i would stash our rubbers in it (my mother would make us wear them to cover our school shoes when it was raining.) we would retrieve them on the way home and put them back on and she was none the wiser ... :)