Jukai

It's spreading

The Jukai spreads, roots creaking and twisting as they seep deeper and grow further. 

Looming inferno of green implanting itself in the fears of boys and girls around the globe.

Causing thoughts to strobe.

Causing hope to hang. 

Huron River Drive winds through minds leading kids to die.

But why?

Occupied by solitude, forgetting to include the forest that surrounds us.

Feeling the absence on a prehistoric school bus.

Articulation fails as condescending trees cause me to freeze.

The Jukai spreads, aptly named, the sea of trees.

Reviews

[Caitlin Lea]

This is an incredibly thought provoking poem. Some of the wording is off-putting, but in a very interesting (and therefore, good) way. Particularly, "Causing thoughts to strobe." and "Causing hope to hang." You did a good thing putting these short phrases in the middle by themselves. They really stand out.

One complaint: "towering inferno" is a little cliched sounding.

Otherwise, intriguing write. I like it.

[yashsickle]

Thank you so much :D

[Coyote Poetry]

A amazing poem. Made me wish to wander into the woods and explore nature. I like the title and the photo. I lived in Ann Arbor for 8 years. A lot of beauty to be seen. Thank you for the excellent poem.
Coyote

[John]

The poem conjures a truly eerie atmosphere like the prologue to a Grimm fairy tale. It sends out a warning that in a mechanised society we should not take nature for granted.
Very well written and left me wanting more.

[An owl on the moon]

The Jukai is well chosen... both a wildly thriving forest and also a Zen rite of passage... We can become lost in the Aokigahara... searching life and death within.. without.. Silence is aptly voiced in your work.

[yashsickle]

Very well said! Thank you!