these outstretched limbs
these pulsating needles
so fresh & new!1
redwood leaves of light green
each tinged with red on the tips
every tree topped with a long succulent shoot
snaking their way towards the sky2
the fire left behind the dull nutrients
snowflakes of gray that cover the ground
they are the micro-shards of what was once
a vibrant maturing forest3
the woman lays the plan
for reforesting this flat open moonscape
young trees are neatly planted
with careful even spacing
each tree is free to grow for many years4
the woman worries sometimes
about lightning storms coming nearby
she doesn’t want there to be
fire for many years
until the trees are bigger
and well thinned5
the young fire crews fight
the incredible force of the fires
filled with hazard & hurry
some men will surely die in the fight
each summer season brings out the drama
between humans and trees6
but, a tree
does not fear the lightning
for each cell
in a tree is electric7
a branch dances sweetly
in the cool softening breeze
a saturated needle drips
with a kiss of morning dew8
the stillness in the faint breeze
the distant crashes of the ocean
the growing peace
in the redwood forest9
for the trees,
the views will keep getting better
for the woman,
she is at peace
for she knows
that her forest will be
nourished by the ashes10
Comments
1 - 7 of 7
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Very Nice Poem
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this flows really nicely and the use of imagery is amazing. "a kiss of morning dew" was an interesting metaphor and linked in well with the woman. also liked the circle of life theme in the last couple of lines.
the only thing that struck me as a little distracting were the opening lines - their tone and construction appear quite different to the rest of this poem.... Rewarded 6
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I just love the imagery that you use here. I was a wonderful write. A very nice poem. An enjoyable read. Loved the forest and the imagery of the trees and the kiss of dew. Some very vivid imagery here. Thanks for sharing this. It was a good and well written read.
. Rewarded 6
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Cool poem!
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Oh, this was beautiful. You sparked such powerful images behind my eyes, like the music video to your lyrics. I grew up in the Pacific Northwest and California, so large wildfires were a constant part of my consciousness. I'm pleased that things are getting a little more back in tune with Nature's own regulation nowadays, and your poem brought that journey of smoke and ash home to me, and planted a little green shoot in my heart. Aww. Thanks. This made my day.
. Rewarded 8
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wow.. i soooo wanna steal this right now
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Excellent and evocative descriptive detail and imagery and I really liked the way this painted the picture of the woman and the forest. Thought the final lines 'her forest will be/ nourished by the ashes' were particularly powerful. It's not an easy read but why should poetry be easy. Cheers, this made me think and I like that.
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