The Whiskey Taster’s Flavor Guide

Oak

[in Rhyme Rhupunt: a,a,a,b c,c,c,b]

At water’s edge there danced below,
amid the ripple and the flow,
royal blue and sun aglow—
and ragged clouds in limpid sky.

Standing tall and stately there,
swaying in the languid air,
a mighty oak in quiet prayer—
and not a soul to reason why.

Long ago when earth was young,
and all alive had common tongue,
songs of praise were often sung—
to sacred trees that beckoned all.

But time will always stir the brew;
Men soon forgot the hymns they knew;
came next the ax, its certain hew—
then dread silence, gruesome pall.

Yet Oak survived, of all that were,
whose buried might began to stir—
its dreams for earth none could deter—
for it had promises to keep.

Oak then rent thunderous all the earth,
forged resplendent its rebirth.
accorded thus eternal worth—
serene the tree then welcomed sleep.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2013

Poem

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Marcum Wong Avatar
January 10, 2018 at 12:14 AM
This poem is another real beauty Mark. I have always felt an affinity for trees. They are able to speak through their rings when felled by storm or cut. They are a silent witness to the years they have lived and they live on in countless ways. I love this poem and it is going into my Faves! : )
Lindley Avatar
August 12, 2014 at 9:34 AM
I love this superb write. I dearly love oak trees. Adding this one to my fav list. Thanks.
Peterson Avatar
August 14, 2014 at 9:29 AM
Thanks for this honor, Robert. So glad you enjoyed it.
Hendricks Avatar
November 14, 2013 at 3:27 AM
I'm gaga over your rhyming style, not to mention your rhythm. You've got the gift, my friend. By the by, where in South Africa did you live? Licia :-)
Hendricks Avatar
November 16, 2013 at 6:38 AM
Capetonian born-and-bred. I live in the location right next to the airport. Ghetto, me man, ghetto!! lol. You're fortunate to have lived right by our best beaches. Any chance of heading this way again? If so, I'd love to organize a meet. Gooi die taal (lol).
Peterson Avatar
November 14, 2013 at 11:23 AM
Thanks, Delysia. Parts of this came quickly but otherwise challenging. I lived in the Cape (Muizenberg, Vishoek), Pretoria and the Rand. Lots of Afrikaans, which I can still speak a little. Where are you in the country?
Muitherero Avatar
November 13, 2013 at 11:16 PM
Excellent rhyme built around the strength of the Oak
Peterson Avatar
November 14, 2013 at 12:32 AM
Kennedy, thank you for your kind remark. Good luck.
Matose Avatar
November 6, 2013 at 1:23 AM
I love this charming oak poem. your prowess in this poem is evocative of the strength of the oak. I like your pun: dread silence. I'm a pun fan, Mark! Thanks for sharing this good poem, I've learned a thing or two. Friend, JM
Peterson Avatar
November 6, 2013 at 12:58 PM
Joseph: Glad you liked the pun, which was unintended: I hadn't noticed until you pointed it out. This reminds of once turning right onto an unknown road, then saw the 'Dead End' marker shortly after. I went a little farther, looking for a place to turn around and saw the reason for the sign: at the end of the road was a cemetery. Dead end indeed.
Dietrich Avatar
November 4, 2013 at 7:34 PM
a gorgeous poem. A tree hugger would be thrilled to see this one. I love trees and this is so awesome.
Peterson Avatar
November 4, 2013 at 7:48 PM
Thanks so much Andrea. There have been and are sacred trees, but the poem is a metaphor for anything or anyone that possesses the nobility, strength and desire to bring about worthwhile change--including, of course, tree huggers!
Bauer Avatar
November 4, 2013 at 3:58 PM
this is an amazing poem! i love the rhyme scheme and the very clever way in which you've used it. bravo!
Peterson Avatar
November 4, 2013 at 7:45 PM
Ilene, your words could not be more appreciated. The first stanza came to mind suddenly. The rest was a struggle but worth it bacause of readers like you. Thanks. I look forward to reading yours soon.
That Archaic Poet Avatar
November 4, 2013 at 2:36 PM
Mark, you astound me with your brilliant words. Awesome poem; what else can I say? Bravo and kudos! :)
Peterson Avatar
November 4, 2013 at 2:48 PM
All you have to say is something like gloriously abstruse, recondite and, of course, marvelously archaic!
Pratap Avatar
November 4, 2013 at 12:04 AM
unique way to go loved every bit ~V~
Peterson Avatar
November 4, 2013 at 12:20 AM
Thank you so much, V. This one was hard for me, and I worried that it just wouldn't interest people at all. That you liked it gives me confidence and helps me sleep. I look forward to reading your work soon.
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