Katharine L. Sparrow Poet Free verse

A Tree Named Lou

I have a tree named Lou, a great, spreading beech
the shape of a gigantic pear with the stem upside-down.
I named it Lou so it could be Louise or Louis.
I don't know which.
 
But when I walk in summer, 
I smile when I reach its gentle shade
and listen to the shooosh of a thousand silvery leaves
like huge, soft thumbs rubbing together.
 
And in winter, I urge Lou to hang in there,
brave the icy winds through its skeletal fingers
and stand tall, resolute and silent.
 
We know, Lou and I, that spring
will come 
again.

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Louis Rams August 17, 2025 at 5:48 PM This captured my attention because of my name being Louis, but the words took me on the journey that you were seeing. i commend you on that trip that you took me.

Gordon Mcconnell April 25, 2023 at 7:02 AM Another lovely piece from your gifted pen Katharine, with nice imagery and insightful line of thought too. Blessings,Gordon

David Smith March 4, 2023 at 6:27 PM This poems says a lot about the writer and the importance of trees in general. Lucky is the person who has memories of of a childhood shared with a particular tree or pleasant walks in a forest of them. The trees in my neighborhood are under attack except on our humble section which we have occupied for over three decades. I do like fact that fruit trees are appearing more in public places. Keep these great poems coming. David in NZ

Silent One June 7, 2020 at 6:29 AM Great poem, very well expressed..

Lindsay Laurie June 6, 2020 at 11:11 PM Hello Caroline … really enjoyed your thought of giving a beloved tree a personal name. This is unique and I feel original - well done - Lindsay Katharine L. Sparrow June 6, 2020 at 11:26 PM Thank-you, L.L.! glad you enjoyed it.

Maureen McGreavy Pigeon Tart June 6, 2020 at 8:07 PM I love this. I was just admiring a couple of beech trees today. Fondled the leaves of one and stroked the trunk of another. Tucking this little gem in my faves, thank you Caroline! ~Maureen Katharine L. Sparrow June 6, 2020 at 11:22 PM Thank-you, so glad to find another beech tree admirer! I touch Lou's bark and branches too! They are gorgeous creations, for sure.