sara Etgen-Baker Poet Personification

Notes About The Poem

image from leafyplace.com

poem written for and submitted to "I Am A Tree" poetry contest, Tania Kitchin, sponsor, September 25, 2025

I AM A TEXAS COTTONWOOD TREE

I AM A TEXAS COTTONWOOD TREE 
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An old but wise Texas Cottonwood am I,
     with twisted bark, I'm rooted where Trinity River runs by. 
Arid winds whisper through my leaves and bone-white branches—  
     constantly rattling, like a rattlesnake poised to strike.   
As dusk falls, coyotes gather under my shadow,   
     their shrill cries joining the prairie and the starry Texas skies.  
I watch over hawk nests, house cicada songs, and
     carry memories of Comanche campfires long since gone.
I am a sentinel grand, standing where lightning split my brother,  
     rooted in history and the scorching Texas sun.

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Valsa George September 27, 2025 at 3:03 AM Your imagery is so striking, Sara. You have made the Cottonwood tree stand proud in the Texas soil. How it gives shelter to the many coyotes and cicadas. Its premise echoes the songs of these nocturnal creatures. Lovely.

Charles Messina September 26, 2025 at 7:26 PM Striking imagery here, Sara. A great entry for the contest. Best wishes dear friend. Have a nice weekend!

Joseph P. DiMino September 26, 2025 at 12:17 PM "I am a sentinel grand, standing where lightning split my brother, rooted in history and the scorching Texas sun." -- Wow! Electrifying write. Got my fond attention all the way through. As I just told Paula, I would not have to be the one to judge this one. Too many great entries. Everyone I have read a winner so far.

Gershon Wolf September 25, 2025 at 9:17 PM And I am Fort Sam Hoston! Remember Barry Manilow (rhymes with Alamo). I don't know; just couldn't resist... ~ Playful Pudding-head

David Crandall September 25, 2025 at 8:31 PM Great picturesque, atmospheric poem of the Texas Cottonwood. I can imagine with winds through the leaves and the coyote howls.

Paige Hind September 25, 2025 at 6:07 PM Very pretty!! It stands alone. :)

Bill Baker September 25, 2025 at 5:47 PM Wonderfully written personification of the mighty Texas Cottonwood, Sara. Spot on! Cheers, Bill

Line Gauthier September 25, 2025 at 12:53 PM Lovely tribute ~ trees certainly do house a lot of action that goes on daily without our knowledge sara Etgen-Baker September 25, 2025 at 5:46 PM yes, they do...have you ever read the book THE SECRET LIVES OF TREES? It opened my eyes to a whole new perspective of trees...thanks for stopping by, Sara

Paula Goldsmith September 25, 2025 at 12:37 PM What a wonderful write you have here with your "I AM A TEXAS COTTONWOOD TREE." I have never seen this pretty tree before. Great Picture... "Good Luck" I did the Coconut Tree. Have a Blessed day writing away.......... sara Etgen-Baker September 25, 2025 at 5:47 PM thanks for your visit and supportive comments. I read your 'coconut tree' poem--seems like a contest contender...have a blessed evening, hugs, Sara

Anne-Lise Andresen September 25, 2025 at 12:21 PM - An old tree that has experienced a lot over the years, Sara ... a beauty to behold :) - A wonderful poem :) - Best wishes in the contest ... a winning poem in my eyes :) - hugs sara Etgen-Baker September 25, 2025 at 5:47 PM thanks for your insightful comments, Anne-Lise...thanks for stopping by and for your wishes, hugs, Sara