Oak tree ringed
now with red-gold leaves
all around,
still they fall,
but the tree recalls the spring
when buds bloom anew—
and laughter
rises once again
as children
climb and play–
and ghosts perch there with the birds
sheltered through seasons
Frederic Edwin Church, “The Charter Oak at Hartford,” [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons
I feel like trees are trying to tell me something lately: the Theresienstadt Tree, the Tree of Life synagogue, and the big, old oak tree in my yard.
I’m posting this for Open Link night at dVerse, even though it’s Open Link morning for me. 🙂
A really lovely poem of hope and inspiration. Love the ghosts in the trees with the birds.
Thank you very much, Dwight. I think old trees must have seen so much.
The stories they could tell!!
Yes, indeed!
Lovely, vivid full of imagery, truly lived it! I esp enjoyed the part where children playing and ghosts perched.. fantastic
Thank you so much! I appreciate your kind words.
My pleasure, a lovely poem you wove!
As some see the sad side of fall, you message was positive … and yes, the analogies to recent news are strong.
Thank you, Frank.
The trees know.
They do–and I discovered after I posted this that a “boom” we heard last night was one that fell.
Ooh!
It was an already dead tree–should have said, and fortunately it didn’t hit anything except for the ground.
Trees – they really have extraordinary symbolism – may trees for thee continue to inspire –
Thank you so much, Susan!
So beautiful, your poetry is so pure and inspiring. always lovely.
That is so kind. Thank you, Holly!
❤
Perfect poem in every way! Somehow the title reminded me of Paul Bowles’ The Sheltering Sky, not as comforting as your “Sheltering Branches.”
Thank you so much, Marian! That is very kind.
I haven’t read the book, but yes, much different. 😉
I like the thought that the tree recalls the spring.
Thank you, Frank!
I don’t know why but the image of ghosts perching in the trees with birds just strikes a chord in me and I think it’s such an expressive phrase. Lovely poem overall, Merril!
Thank you very much, Jade!
As always, your words are full of imagery and beauty. Well done, Merril!
Thank you very much, Jill!
Looking forward to that spring season when children’s laughter are heard all over the playground.
Yes–I know–and winter isn’t even here yet! It’s been warm here the last few days though, and children were outside playing.
I believe there is peace in trees, their rustling leaves, welcoming birds and holding children perched high to see beyond their yard. . . The tree “ghosts” are of so many dimensions beyond our imagination, Merril. 🌿🌲🌱🌳🌵🌴
Thank you very much, Robin. Yes, trees are special!
Your poem, like the tree, has a golden glow, Merril. Oak trees are so solid, comforting and reliable. I love that ‘the tree recalls the spring’ and ‘ghosts perch there with the birds’.
Thank you very much, Kim!
The tree poem of life
Thank you, Derrick.
Once again, our thoughts are following the same stream. The ghosts and the birds…yes. (k)
Thank you. It thought that, too, Kerfe– and that we wrote about it for the same dVerse.
Trees are so good in the way they give hope in the way they return to bloom in the spring.
That is true. Thank you!
I like the imagery in this, so strong, and full of life.
Thank you. This was one of those poems that really wanted to be written.
They read the strongest.