In the Realm of the Watchman Trees

"to hold, as 'twere, the mirror up to nature" William Shakespeare, Hamlet, 1601: Along a path of solitude I tread, flanked on either side by watchman trees, a lush green canopy above my head, in foliage the flutter of cerise. . . . I gasp to see two cardinals appear. Then farther on, I spot a white-tailed doe! She calmly meets my gaze and shows no fear. I can’t imagine in this place a foe! The trees, unwounded, stand with dignity. And whether skies be bright or overcast, they guard this realm, and one will shelter me. I kick off shoes and stop for a repast. Now barefoot and relaxed, I write this poem in quietude of Mother Nature’s home.
For The Tree contest sponsored by Constance La France ~a Rambling Poet~ For Brian Strand's ANY OF YOUR 2011 poems any theme/any form max 16 lines Poetry Contest
Copyright © | Year Posted 2011

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Watt Avatar
August 23, 2020 at 11:37 PM
I have nothing to add to my earlier comment, just enjoying seconds of dessert. One of my faves of yours, and a FAV!
Watt Avatar
January 23, 2020 at 7:52 PM
Andrea, your love of nature is on full display in this luscious sonnet. The first stanza describes the flora; the second, the fauna; and the third describes your interaction with the forest. The final couplet brings a smile of relaxation. LOVE your words (solitude, flanked, dignity, realm, quietude). An amazing sonnet.
Brown Avatar
November 18, 2011 at 5:09 AM
Congratulations on your placement in Brian's "Any 2011 Poem" contest Andrea. Love, Carol
Okonkwo Avatar
November 16, 2011 at 1:37 PM
congrats Andrea...hugs;-
Song Avatar
November 16, 2011 at 1:57 AM
Barefoot and relaxed, I am here reading and enjoying this poem..I appreciate the personifying of trees...sometimes I feel as I hike thru Ohio forests that they oft communicate with their maker...dignity is a wonderful word to use. Gwendolen
Quigley Avatar
November 15, 2011 at 10:45 PM
A beautiful poem with a peaceful flow. Congratulations on your win in Brian's contest Andrea
O' Conghaile Avatar
April 28, 2011 at 2:16 AM
Thank you for writing this amazing poem, inspiring!
Parker Avatar
April 26, 2011 at 3:39 PM
I love the personification of nature. It shows a deep appreciation for the elements in our organic environment.
Brown Avatar
April 26, 2011 at 6:01 AM
Congratulations Andrea on your win in Constance's "The Tree" contest. Love, Carol
Aul Avatar
April 25, 2011 at 11:40 AM
Congrats on your (I stopped counting) win...... Thanks for all the great comments.....George
Babcock Avatar
April 25, 2011 at 9:41 AM
Congrats on another win Andrea. I have had no time to even look at contests lately. I just wish I had more time. Maybe I will have to give up some of my sleeping time. ha ha. Great write. love phyl
Poet Avatar
April 25, 2011 at 7:20 AM
It seemed to me when I read 1st time this poem that the contest photo was based on this poem and not the reverse!Excellent.Congrats Andrea on your win---kash
Mannan Avatar
April 25, 2011 at 4:52 AM
Thiis so lovely.A true masterpiece. Many congrats.
Mehta Avatar
April 24, 2011 at 3:03 PM
Congratulations on the win in the contest of Constance, Andrea
Horne Avatar
April 24, 2011 at 7:40 AM
Many congrats and a happy Easter to you : )
Onclaud Avatar
April 24, 2011 at 5:33 AM
now i know what a watchman tree looks like, andie.. i go whoot over this beauty! congrats on the high, fine win... yeah..:) huggs
Alpestris Avatar
April 24, 2011 at 5:14 AM
Congratulations, Andrea! Your idea is interesting, if there are "nurse trees", then, why not "watchmen trees". I think it's cool how your sonnet is perfect for the picture. If not for your note, I would have that you'd written it as inspired by the picture. Thanks for reading all my poems (as many as they are! Hehe). My "arsenal" is not a lot, and they are located in another poetry armory. As for you, where do you find the words? I've been stuck in a writer's block for close to two years now!
Puddifoot Avatar
April 24, 2011 at 4:08 AM
I thought I'd commented on this one before, how strange...anyway, it's a delightful piece Andrea and congratulations on another 1st place win!
Tideswell Avatar
April 24, 2011 at 2:08 AM
You created a perfect haven in your sonnet Andrea, congratulations on your first place. I can see why you won with this one. When I saw the title I was expecting something dark...what a pleasant surprise ~ Sharon :)
Sweetheart Avatar
April 23, 2011 at 8:52 PM
Congrats Andrea on your first place win in the tree contest .. a great way to celebrate the Easter holiday with a wonderful win luv..
Freeman Avatar
April 23, 2011 at 6:37 PM
Awesome to see you at the top again Andrea, Congratulations on your worthy poem honor in first place.
Foulk Avatar
April 23, 2011 at 5:54 PM
sounds so peaceful, can see it in my mind. this was a beautiful and very creative write. thank you for commenting on Little Flower and for the information, sorry about that, I have not seen my ex-wife in five years, but glad I didn't call her that, she would not have know what i was talking about anyway, but who knows.
Devonshire Avatar
April 23, 2011 at 5:34 PM
Not surpised to see your poem at the top, Andrea. Congratulations. Love, Carolyn
Richards Avatar
April 23, 2011 at 5:32 PM
Such a lovely lovely poem, Andrea. I remember this, I think, from your little book of poems! Nice to share this spot with such a wonderful writer as you!!
La France Avatar
April 23, 2011 at 4:39 PM
Congratulations Andrea, on 1st place in my contest, I just loved everything about this poem, well done. I will send your certificate to the address I have noted~~
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