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I Talk To the Trees

I sing the songs of the aspens and the oaks They sing to me harmonies and lovely verses Accompanied by the breezes’ instrumentation They teach me while the forest choir rehearses. The taller pines express fervent gratification That Mother Nature has given them height So that they may see horizons far and near Much to their swaying imagination’s delight. Generous maples the value of seasonal giving, A solitary mahogany the meaning of solitude Since it is not native to this woodland, you see, For my notice shows its everlasting gratitude. I talk to the trees, and they whisper back to me Teaching me we are exactly where we need to be. FIRST PLACE WINNER Written May 15, 2022 submitted to "Wisdom from Trees" Poetry Contest sponsored by Anoucheka Gangabissoon

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Connie Marcum Wong

Date: 5/29/2022 12:57:00 PM

I love your poem Milton. I am a tree talker and hugger too. They give us so much. Maple syrup, a favorite. Congratulations on your deserving first place win. This gem is going into my faves! Blessings xxoo

L Milton Hankins
Date: 5/29/2022 1:19:00 PM

Thank you so much, Connie, for your warm and thoughtful comment on my poem.

Eve Roper

Date: 5/29/2022 10:58:00 AM

I sure would love to hear a tree talk. A tree in thousands and thousands of years of history that they’ve lived here in this world, could you imagine the stories that they could tell.Milton, congratulations on your win.Blessings my friend have a nice memorial weekend

L Milton Hankins
Date: 5/29/2022 11:11:00 AM

Thank you so much, sweet Eve. I really enjoyed your insightful comments on my poem.

Paula Goldsmith

Date: 5/28/2022 12:19:00 PM

Congratulations on your win. A lovely write. Love your line, "I talk to the trees, and they whisper back to me." They do if any one will hear them. Have a blessed day/weekend writing away.......................

L Milton Hankins
Date: 5/29/2022 11:12:00 AM

Thanks, Pauline. Yes, they do. The breeze through an aspen tree is magical, indeed.

Sotto Poet

Date: 5/28/2022 10:30:00 AM

MILT, you have written a poem of great beauty. Congratulations on winning first place. You definitely earn it.

L Milton Hankins
Date: 5/29/2022 11:12:00 AM

Thanks so much, Lasaad, for your encouraging comment. I'm so glad you enjoyed the poem.

Bill Baker

Date: 5/16/2022 4:52:00 PM

Fine entry for this contest, Milt. Lots of wisdom in a well written poem. Good luck my friend. Bill

L Milton Hankins
Date: 5/16/2022 6:55:00 PM

Thank you, Bill. I hope it is well-received.

Gershon Wolf

Date: 5/15/2022 8:31:00 PM

Such an incredible tribute to the value of trees - and to a symbiotic between a human (you) and another of God's creations. Simply lovely!! Excelsior! ~ Gershon

L Milton Hankins
Date: 5/15/2022 8:48:00 PM

Thanks so much, gw. I appreciate your understanding. I do love trees very much. That my sycamores have been around longer than anyone in my neighborhood and were here long before any of us, I have a great affinity for them.

Caren Krutsinger

Date: 5/15/2022 4:56:00 PM

You have idolized trees here, well penned.

L Milton Hankins
Date: 5/15/2022 7:59:00 PM

I love trees. I'm a born tree-hugger. It makes me sick when a beautiful tree is cut down. I have two large sycamores in my back yard that need to be taken down before a storm blows them down on a neighbor's house, but I cannot bear to do it. I'm just going to take my chances with those sycamores.

Marco Chies

Date: 5/15/2022 3:44:00 PM

Really exemplary poetry, very well written, strong images, congratulations! There is a singer here in Brazil, called Roberto Carlos, he always talks to the trees (in his case, they think he's a little crazy......)

L Milton Hankins
Date: 5/15/2022 8:00:00 PM

That could be. I don't talk to the trees, but I certainly respect them, and it bothers me when they are needlessly cut down to make way for more pavement!

Mark Koplin

Date: 5/15/2022 3:42:00 PM

Well done Milt! Unfortunately the only wisdom I've ever got from a tree was a switch cut by my grandma as she took me across her knee.

L Milton Hankins
Date: 5/15/2022 8:01:00 PM

Oh, I know something about that. In my mama's case it was a Bridal Wreath in the front yard. I'm surprised that thing ever survived!

Ann Peck

Date: 5/15/2022 3:27:00 PM

Very lovely, Milton. I do talk to the trees.I think they understand my thoughts. Nature is much more clever than we credit it.Best of luck in contest :)

L Milton Hankins
Date: 5/15/2022 8:01:00 PM

I certainly agree with what you have said about nature. Thanks so much for your insightful response to my poem.

Jeff Kyser

Date: 5/15/2022 12:48:00 PM

Very nice, Milt. I like this a lot.

L Milton Hankins
Date: 5/15/2022 1:09:00 PM

Thanks so much, Jeff. It's an interesting contest, and I'm not sure I am on target with my approach. Oh, well, I did enjoy writing this, so I entered it. My muse was entirely absent this morning and I was grasping at straws!