Notes About The Poem

Author's Notes: "A Tree," is a collaborated narrative poem that I originally wrote with my wife Ingrid on February 15, 2015 for later inclusion in my new book. We both really liked this particular write. The theme of the poem is about "A Tree," but as the theme is built out the overall meaning goes beyond the actual "Tree," itself -- and touches on concomitant sub-themes to include: simplicity and beauty, complexity, Mother Nature, worldwide environment, creation, the Universe, and the divine power of God. (Gary Bateman and Ingrid Krukenberg-Bateman, May 12, 2015) (Narrative)

Categories: creation, god, imagery, journey, magic, metaphor, and wisdom.

A Tree

A Tree

I’m a tree lining a country road
Along with hundreds of other
Trees in the direction of a verdant
Forest—full of scenic wonder and 
Teaming with life.

All of us stand tall and firm with
Such majestic beauty and geometric
Symmetry and precision which is
Evident from the angles and curves
Of each tree and the fact we all
Practically line up in a straight line.

The simplicity and beauty we display
To the human eye disguises the actual
Complexity beneath the surface of our
Existence which could even be likened
To some form of a thought-provoking
Algebraic equation. 

We all represent the wizardry of Mother 
Nature and the divine thought of God and
Have been an integral part of this Earth
Far longer than Mankind—and do we have
Some stories that we could share with you! 

As a tree I’m nurtured daily by our Earth,
But as I take, I also give back and help to 
Bring balance to Earth’s daily Carbon 
Dioxide output in the greater scheme of
The worldwide environment.

And so, as a Tree, my life and function
As a living organism and an entity here 
On Earth is a testament to the wonder of 
Creation, and both the marvel and mystery
Of the Universe, and the omnipotence and
Divine power of God.

Gary Bateman and Ingrid Krukenberg-Bateman 
– A Collaborated Poem, Copyright © All Rights Reserved
(May 12, 2015) (Narrative)

*Originally written on February 15, 2015 for my new book.

creationgodimageryjourneymagicmetaphorwisdomnarrative

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Dorian Petersen Potter

Date: 6/16/2015 3:23:00 PM

Hi G and Ingrid!Very beautifully written poem collaboration between you two my very dear friends.Just beautiful!I just like trees a lot G:)I truly enjoyed it.Golden pens!A 7 +!Sending my love to both of you.Best to you always!Wishing you a very lovely week!In his light!God bless you always!:)D.

Gary Bateman
Date: 6/16/2015 4:03:00 PM

Thanks "D"!! This is one of Ingrid's favorite poems. We had a great collaboration truly on this one. I was glad we could finish it just in time for the first galley print of my new book (i.e., my first book). All the best to you from Ingrid and me!! Cheers, Gary

Liam Mcdaid

Date: 6/10/2015 6:52:00 PM

this sang a beautiful tune through both your pens dazzling piece dear friends soldiers of nature i call them smiling wishing you both a wonderful day

Gary Bateman
Date: 6/11/2015 1:20:00 PM

Thanks Liam Mate!! I'm glad you like our collaborated effort here. Ingrid gave me some great ideas as we both were putting this one together. Talk to you soon!! Cheers, Gary

Samuel Lee

Date: 5/27/2015 9:52:00 PM

Somehow, poems about trees remain relevant throughout the ages. You have continued this tradition beautifully in this collaboration. Well done.

Gary Bateman
Date: 5/28/2015 7:41:00 PM

Hello Samuel, Thanks so much for you wonderful comment here. I certainly agree with you about the trees. I'm slowly getting caught up but will be by to check out your poetry. Thanks!! Best Wishes, Gary

Robert Lindley

Date: 5/25/2015 9:58:00 AM

I love trees and Nature. Your poem, collaboration is exceptional in several ways. Love that you noted the mathematics and geometric symmetry into it.. A7 Bravo to you both!!

Gary Bateman
Date: 5/26/2015 4:13:00 AM

Thanks Robert!! I know that this one is a personal favorite for my wife and me. Ingrid and I liked how this one turned out and we were very happy that I could get it included in with the other poems in my first book. (I'm currently down here in Stuttgart, Germany this week and be back home in Northern Germany by this Friday.) Thanks for your read and for the "7"!! Cheers, Gary

M. L. Kiser

Date: 5/25/2015 5:59:00 AM

So true...I love trees and am growing increasingly disillusioned by the trees being cut down, by the city utilities, in my area. They're destroying the oldest trees around here. Thanks for the tribute to trees, Gary.

Gary Bateman
Date: 5/25/2015 6:06:00 AM

ML, Thanks for your note about this poem and importance of "trees." Along with the environment and the climate in general, our trees are really taking a beating due to the very short-sighted policies of Government officials. It makes you wonder what their real priorities are!! Best Wishes, Gary

Kp Nunez

Date: 5/13/2015 4:45:00 AM

Again, I am impressed with the polish and excellence of your creative write, Gary. This poem wonderfully expresses the tree's adherence to its role in keeping with the natural law. Another proof of God's wisdom in the creation. Thank you for coming back, for sharing with us once again such fine examples of your poetry. Warm regards to you and Ingrid! A 7 and a fav! Kim

Gary Bateman
Date: 5/13/2015 3:33:00 PM

Hello Kim!! Thanks very much for your wonderful comments on our poem!! Your interpretation and view of "The Tree" are absolutely spot on and quite precious. God's wisdom in the course of creation is truly a universal wonder. I will share your wishes and greetings with Ingrid. It is good to be back!! Thanks also for the 7 and FAV!! Best Always, Gary

Laura Breidenthal

Date: 5/13/2015 4:22:00 AM

Amazing! Fourth stanza - I must respectably acknowledged the beauty of each line there. As for the rest of the poem, there are so many memorable, and meaningful lines, I cant even count them! Fantastic work. Like this tree, you and your wife are "Teaming with life" ! A fav! Always, Laura

Gary Bateman
Date: 5/13/2015 3:48:00 PM

Ah Laura!! You've found me again!! Your words here mean very much to me. Thanks!! Yes, my wife Ingrid has actually teamed with me on other poems too and this one appears in my new recently published book. We will continue with other shared writes too in the future. (I'm fortunate to have her perspective!!) It pleases me greatly that you like our poem here. Again, thanks too for your tribute the other day. Best Always, Gary

Emile Pinet

Date: 5/12/2015 2:42:00 PM

Wonderful work with great thought given to the subject mater as it is gently unfolds for the readers delight. A window into the souls and minds of the authors that is pleasing to the heart. Emile. #7

Gary Bateman
Date: 5/12/2015 3:02:00 PM

Thanks Emile!! This is indeed a very gracious comment on your part and your words are greatly appreciated by my wife and me. Best Wishes to You . . . Gary