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An Apple Tree In Ukraine

Just another apple tree in Ukraine, My roots sink deep in frozen soil. And then with spring, I bourgeon flower fractals. I fatten my ripened apples that plummet to the Earth. Just another apple tree in Ukraine, I live for life. It is all that I know, For the bounty and beauty, I can offer. With the joy and love, The giving of fruit, And my flowers meant for nectar, It is all I know. Just another apple tree in Ukraine, Stationary and resolute, I spread my branches in a bouquet of giving. I live for the passion of playing children, For the smiles of old men peddling bikes, For the lovers kissing under a late-night streetlamp. Then one witching hour the tanks came. They ulcerated nocturne with explosive glare, Ripping open tumbling walls, Ripping open stomach entrails. By morning there were more tanks than trees. By morning there were more dead than graves. But I’m just another apple tree in Ukraine. My roots sink deep in blood-soaked soil. What do I know of these things? I don’t know why this ferocity, I don’t know why this inhumanity. The shells pounded everywhere as days Turned into weeks and months. Families slaughtered as they fled, The babies shrieked in blind dread. Who would design this living hell? Why all the executions in the head? Like timber falling, the dead are calling. Let me take the bullets instead. Please, life is for joy and wonder! But nobody notices me now, nobody sees. Have you ever seen apple tree tears?

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Ken Rone

Date: 8/9/2022 7:40:00 AM

I pray for Ukrane. But the explosion of the nocturn you describe is fading into the blankness of background noise, the kind of noise busunessmen use to gain respite from their consciences and gain their hardwon sleep.

Thomas Wells
Date: 8/14/2022 1:19:00 PM

Hello, Ken. Indeed, I find myself despairing as each day this war passes. I support the Ukrainian fight for freedom and independence. But the war profiteers in the United States (those firms who manufacture and sell weapons to the U.S. government) want this war to last as long as possible. From your impassioned words above, it appears you have a poem in the making. Thank you, my friend.

David Kavanagh

Date: 5/19/2022 12:41:00 PM

Extraordinary writing and personification Thomas, what an uplifting line in a terribly bleak hopeless situation, Let me take the bullets instead, raw emotion from a gifted writer, I wish you well, and congratulate you, I hope you have a big success with your book being published, cheers David

Thomas Wells
Date: 5/21/2022 5:25:00 PM

David, your impassioned words of encouragement mean so much to me! As long as there are extraordinarily talented writers like you presenting your poems here on PoetrySoup, there is something for me to work toward. Thank you!

Jennifer Fenn

Date: 5/4/2022 5:34:00 PM

Wow Thomas! This makes me sad but I guess that’s the idea. A good poem is supposed to evoke emotion, and this does exactly that. Apple trees are as innocent as children, and we are all sad when kids lose innocence when they don’t need too like in war. Great picture of what so many of us are feeling.

Thomas Wells
Date: 5/7/2022 12:29:00 PM

Thank you so much, Jennifer! It is so great to connect with you again. You have described what I am trying to do with this poem precisely. I hope you are well. - Thomas

Brian Sambourne

Date: 4/30/2022 3:26:00 PM

Incredibly strong personification of the Ukrainian apple tree in the opening + in the final few lines of your poem, Thomas. Indeed, the apple tree as a metaphor for the defiant resilience of the the Ukrainian people looms large too. Congratulations on a fine write! Brian

Thomas Wells
Date: 4/30/2022 9:45:00 PM

I'm glad you liked it, Brian. All trees give us so much to celebrate. War distracts us from the gifts of trees, for the most part. When we ignore trees, it is like we ignore part of our soul. Be well, Thomas