Gregory Richard Barden | + Follow Poet |
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Conifer's Confession

Numberless now ...
Many, the years since then
When I uncurled my toes and reached thru soil
Pushed up and spread out

While beneath me the richness of the earth nourished
Spreading tendrils through the dark and damp
To give me strength and secure purchase
Ring-by-ring my girth increased

Branches spreading ... reaching for the air
Capturing the weep of heaven
And bounding toward the warm of the sun
Water surging like blood

Chlorophyll coloring my bloom and breadth
Carbon dioxide like the breath of life
Deep in ... oxygen out
Little ones doing their work during the green time

And their bright, crisp, beautiful deaths
Autumn's blanket, their last deed
Countless, those cycles ...
Yet ... I stood strong over HER

Sheltered her from rain, child-to-woman
Shaded her quiet time in the summer swelter
Covered her loves in the autumn chill
Let her swing in my boughs, up to the sky and back

It was my pride to care for her these years
To offer my strength and cover
And mostly, to hear her sing to the meadow.
Yet now she swings again in my boughs

Dangles amidst my strong arms
Lifeless ... on a rope.
Oh, if only I were a willow
For then I, too ...

Could weep.





Written on January 7, 2020
N/A'd on June 13, 2020 in the the "I Am A Tree" Poetry Contest
Submitted on June 16, 2020
To the "N-A Re-Run 8" Poetry Contest
John Hamilton, Sponsor.

Copyright © Gregory Richard Barden | Year Posted 2020

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Sam Kauffman Date: 6/17/2020 12:12:00 PM "If only I were a willow, I could weep" just one of many amazing images in your story poem. So hopeful in the beginning - so heartbreaking at the end. This reminds me of Shel Silverstein's, The Giving Tree. Congratulations on your first place - stand alone win my friend. Login to Reply Gregory Richard Barden Date: 6/17/2020 11:46:00 PM You are very kind, Sam, and you have a unique insight and perspective that I am so thankful for, (as well as your friendship) ... you and the two fine gentlemen below are my bread-and-butter when it comes to comments, and many of my poems would go without comment were it not for your sincere kindness and appreciation. It is my blessing and honor, and I thank you so much, Brother! :o)

John Hamilton Date: 6/17/2020 9:45:00 AM Another masterful write G, how you used personification made me feel like this tree was a real person, reminds me of your acorn poem, but this one tore out my heart. Congrats on a stand alone first place, how did this receive an N/A? Login to Reply Gregory Richard Barden Date: 6/17/2020 11:44:00 PM I am SO thankful that you connected with this one, John, because I had very few that were eligible for entry, and this is not a happy poem ... thank goodness you saw the beauty in it, despite the sad ending ... that's what makes you special, my friend! Blessings, as always! :o)

John Watt Date: 1/9/2020 2:23:00 AM Wow, Gregory. I am choked up right now. Not just from the tragic ending but from the power of this poetry. I can feel the soil, the rain, the leaves, the strong boughs. You laid out the hints for the ending so delicately with "water surging like blood" and "Autumn's blanket, their last deed". You swung for the fences with this one and hit a grand slam, my friend. This is a FAV. Keep that ink flowing! ~ J Login to Reply Gregory Richard Barden Date: 6/17/2020 11:42:00 PM John, My Gracious Friend, I am ashamed that I never thanked you for this wonderfully heartfelt and detailed comment ... I have always tried to thank everyone, but since last year when life got very crazy I have not been as faithful at that task, and it bothers me, truly. This means so much to me, because until this kind win by John H today, yours was the ONLY comment, and I want you to know how much it means. Blessings and the most sincere thanks, Dear Poet! :o)