Not every day, but always it is trees
who take my breath, that inhaled hold, that breath
that comes out in the sound of wow:
trees in bloom, trees laden with fruit, sole trees
in vast fields, crooked trees on seasides, and
forests full. Oak and maple and linden
and eucalyptus, white pine and Swiss pine
and chestnut trees, too, and so many more.
Trees take my breath away. One day I walked
into a gentle young wood to make friends
with the poplar and black walnut trees there.
I looked up halfway down a hill and noticed
I was in a clearing surrounded by
a circle of poplar trees, leaves touching
to create a canopy. Wow! I placed
myself in the circle’s leaf-carpeted
center and introduced myself. I asked
to know them. Silent, I waited. I moved
to lean on a poplar tree to thank it,
to hug and praise it. Touching, I felt touched.
A huge thing, to be aware of solid
strength and love as trees take my breath away.
For Sumana's prompt "When Nature takes your breath away" at What's Going On?
Ah yes, there is definitely something about trees!! To be among trees is to be among friends. I really don't know if I would recognize a poplar tree. Sigh. I love this beautiful phrase: "Touching, I felt touched." I find it can be applied to things other than trees as well!! A fine poem.
ReplyDeleteI so understand that feeling of the tree responding to you. And being so present standing under that canopy. Wow. I also think of the magnolia tree outside your room, which fills your window with blooms in spring. The two old cherry trees out front are alive with blossoms now, and FULL of hummingbirds, more than we have ever seen - hundreds. Wow.
ReplyDelete" Touching, I felt touched." You've captured Nature's spirit in these four words so lovingly and powerfully. How magical it is to be surrounded by "a circle of poplar trees, leaves touching / to create a canopy." I hope everyone in this world understands the value of these sentient beings.
ReplyDeleteThe beauty of trees is timeless and magical. I was once told by a shaman if you need to feel grounded you should go outside and find a tree ...see it...hear it...embrace it...there is strength in the grounding of roots. Lovely read.
ReplyDelete'Touching, it I felt touched' is such a sublime way to feel. Trees truly do seem fundamental to our existence if not our lives - They must always be respected and celebrated just as you have so wonderfully - Jae
ReplyDeleteYes trees are important. They are a world unto themselves.
ReplyDeleteI love it when trees make a great canopy above me. I usually get chills because driving or walking under it is so marvelous.
ReplyDeleteThat clearing was heavenly. Touching the bark of a tree is gratifying.
ReplyDelete