Katharine L. Sparrow | + Follow Poet |
Free verse | + Fav Poem | Comment | Email | Print |

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.

Copyright © Katharine L. Sparrow | Year Posted 2020

Please Login to post a comment

Louis Rams Date: 8/17/2025 5:48:00 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. Login to Reply

Gordon Mcconnell Date: 4/25/2023 7:02:00 AM Another lovely piece from your gifted pen Katharine, with nice imagery and insightful line of thought too. Blessings,Gordon Login to Reply

David Smith Date: 3/4/2023 6:27:00 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 Login to Reply

Silent One Date: 6/7/2020 6:29:00 AM Great poem, very well expressed.. Login to Reply

Lindsay Laurie Date: 6/6/2020 11:11:00 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 Login to Reply Katharine L. Sparrow Date: 6/6/2020 11:26:00 PM Thank-you, L.L.! glad you enjoyed it.

Maureen McGreavy Pigeon Tart Date: 6/6/2020 8:07:00 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 Login to Reply Katharine L. Sparrow Date: 6/6/2020 11:22:00 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.