Fate

The wind blows, and the tree is compelled

Forwards, backwards

A child sits under his father's roof and 

watches

Forwards, backwards

Admiring the fluid dexterity of its movement

Wondering if it is cued

by some divine source

or 

Simply

Knows its place. 

Reviews

[SoLongAndThanksForAllTh..]

To me this poem seems to be exploring the age-old conundrum of whether there is truly such a thing as free will or whether we're all small parts of something much bigger and our role is already pre-destined.

Although effectively a single stanza I see the line, "forwards, backwards" as providing a break between each image. First the tree, then the boy and finally the boys analysis. Doing this perhaps hints at how everything is connected - the boy and the tree and even his thoughts are all one and the same.

I liked this poem, it made me think!

[Ice QueenJen]

wow what a great poem about the wind & a tree, along with the force of nature!

[Sarah]

Like others mentioned, I enjoyed the repetition of 'forwards, backwards'. In this poem, I took the tree to be a symbol almost for fate. It knows its place, it plays its role in the "divine" scheme, and nothing can change that. It's interesting that this poem is short, simple, and yet says so much. Great job!

[msharma]

Great !

[Robin]

Does Fate have an or ? love your poetic ponderings

[Neva Flores Smith - Cha..]

The wonder of it all............lovely!

[Alvin L. Kathembe]

WOW! so concise, yet so pithy...i wonder the same!i like the economy and substance of this poem...a very good read!

[Kimberly]

I love this poem. I think it's perfect.

[littlelilypurplebride]

This was very lovely and Touching
i loved the last lines my favorite

A Child sits under his father's roof and
watches Forwards, backwards
Admiring the fluid dexterity of it's movement
Wondering if it is cued
by some divine source
or
Simply
Knows its place.

makes me think of us with
God Beautifully said and flowing
words nice flow to it.

god bless lily