Persistence : a Collab With Cd

(A Paul Callus & Carolyn Devonshire collaboration)


Standing not far from the cliff’s edge 
the aging tree, solitary,
with gnarly roots clings to the rocks -
she shows resolve, tenacity.

        My younger days were easier;
    	as a tiny sprout, I flourished,
     	surrounded by wildflower beds
     	that by soft spring rains were nourished.

For many years on rugged land
she had all weathers to endure
and there were times when under stress
doubts crossed her mind, felt insecure.

        For centuries nature’s fury
     	cast afflictions, floods, tornadoes.
     	Many arms lost to lightning strikes,
     	but I still cling to bravado.

Exposed to storms or blazing sun,
whipped by the wind mercilessly,
sought reassurance from her faith -
she strived to keep her dignity.
 
     	Resiliently, I learned to stand
     	in the face of danger and doom.
     	Since I am one of God’s creatures,
     	the promise of faith may still bloom.
 
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Copyright © | Year Posted 2019

Poem

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Crabtree Avatar
December 1, 2020 at 7:14 PM
A wonderful collaboration, Paul. You two write well together :)
Callus Avatar
December 3, 2020 at 2:12 AM
Thank you, Angela. Have a lovely day :) // paul
Y. Avatar
July 13, 2019 at 4:03 PM
Hi Paul, I haven't as active on the soup as I once was. With that being said, you and Carolyn write so well together. It had good content, imagery and wisdom. Excellent job:-) Alexis
Callus Avatar
July 13, 2019 at 4:39 PM
Thank you for the insightful feedback, Alexis. Like you I have not been very active on Soup...too many priorities to see to:) Warm regards // paul
Horne Avatar
July 9, 2019 at 1:17 PM
you write so well together
Callus Avatar
July 9, 2019 at 4:53 PM
Thank you, Jack. Your consecutive visits are much appreciated. Will stop by your posts tomorrow:) regards // paul
Williams Avatar
July 8, 2019 at 5:50 AM
A wonderful collaboration Paul and Carolyn. You are both such excellent poets, and together you are magnificent. A fave for me....Maria Hugs
Callus Avatar
July 8, 2019 at 4:46 PM
Thank you so much, Maria...and I am sure Carolyn will be echoing my words, too. You lovely comments are much appreciated. Regards & hugs // paul
Proxenos Avatar
July 7, 2019 at 2:30 PM
What a wonderful collaboration by two poets held in high esteem on poetry soup. Trees stand up to seasons and all types of weather and I wish they could talk to us, they would be the philosophers of all time! Love and hugs to both of you Paul and Carolyn - a wonderful smooth write.
Callus Avatar
July 8, 2019 at 4:26 PM
Trees are 'wise' and yet so very down-to-earth, Jenny. Thank you for the complimentary remarks. Warm regards & Hugs // paul
Goldsmith Avatar
July 6, 2019 at 5:31 PM
Beautiful and true.
Callus Avatar
July 8, 2019 at 3:41 PM
Thank you, Paula; pleased to make your acquaintance. Regards // paul
Devonshire Avatar
July 5, 2019 at 2:45 PM
Paul, thanks so much for allowing me to collaborate with you again. I find it more fulfilling than writing alone. I would also like to thank everyone who has had a chance to read and leave comments for us! Hugs for all, Carolyn
Callus Avatar
July 6, 2019 at 7:52 AM
The pleasure is mine, dear Carolyn! I only wish I had more time on my hands to write; I have been too busy these past weeks! Collaborating and sharing words does not come easy to everyone....I find ours very rewarding. Love & Hugs // paul
Lamoureux Avatar
July 5, 2019 at 9:21 AM
You both write so well together. A seamless piece!
Callus Avatar
July 6, 2019 at 7:46 AM
Thank you, Richard. Enjoy the weekend, my friend. // paul
Riabi Dziri Avatar
July 2, 2019 at 1:33 AM
Born and bred in the heart of Nature, living things learn to weather its harsh and cruel side.. The strong and inspiring spirit of mighty Nature is wonderfully prevailing! A great work that lends itself to many readings for its wealth and personification! The whole poem is a Beauty to behold and learn from! Definitely a fave.. I would like to thank you both, Paul and Carolyn for sharing your grand talent and insight.. an immense pleasure to read your poetry once again, Paul.. My deepest regards.
Callus Avatar
July 6, 2019 at 7:30 AM
Many thanks, Besma, for your lovely and insightful comments. ..and the Fav is very much appreciated, too. Both Carolyn and I are touched by this generous visit. ~ Warm regards // paul
Marcum Wong Avatar
July 1, 2019 at 1:04 AM
Carolyn and Paul, two wonderful poems intertwined so wonderfully that they are seamless and read as one poem instead of a collaboration. You both exceled at writing a remarkable collaboration! I loved the sense of realism in the fact that trees have feelings even if we can't hear them speak. Kudos! xxoo : )
Callus Avatar
July 6, 2019 at 7:15 AM
Thank you for the lovely feedback, Connie....your comments are truly appreciated. ~ Warm regards // paul
Devonshire Avatar
July 5, 2019 at 2:46 PM
I, too, believe that trees and plants have feelings. Writing with Paul is so much fun. thanks for reading! Hugs, Carolyn
Dietrich Avatar
June 30, 2019 at 2:08 PM
I like this format, and how the second one is echoing what the observer sees but in the first person of personification. Was it Carolyn doing the second part and you doing the first? Excellent work from you both.
Callus Avatar
July 6, 2019 at 6:53 AM
Hi Andrea! I see that Carolyn has already confirmed your thoughts:) We have used this 'echoing' in previous co-writes; we find it works very well. Thank you for the 'excellent' rating. Best regards // paul
Devonshire Avatar
July 5, 2019 at 2:38 PM
Yes, Andrea, I wrote as the tree in first person. The concept of the poem came from Paul. How enjoy writing with him! Thanks for reading.
Laurie Avatar
June 30, 2019 at 1:40 AM
Hello Paul … a lovely poem written in unison with nature. Trees, birds, insects, everything, along with us are all in this together with trials and tribulations - nicely presented Paul - Lindsay
Callus Avatar
June 30, 2019 at 7:56 AM
Human character and nature have a lot in common, Lindsay. Thank you for contributing with your comments. Regards // paul
Allison Avatar
June 29, 2019 at 6:21 PM
a wonderful collaboration a joy to read this Sunday morning:-) hugs Jan xx
Callus Avatar
June 30, 2019 at 7:53 AM
Thank you...So pleased to have you stopping by, Jan. Hope all is well:) Hugs // paul
Pandit Avatar
June 29, 2019 at 6:10 PM
I like how your two voices sing in unison to create this charming piece..well done, Paul and Carolyn.
Callus Avatar
June 30, 2019 at 7:52 AM
Your lovely comments are appreciated, Vijay...thank you. Regards // paul
De Beaulieu Avatar
June 29, 2019 at 5:15 PM
Hello Paul, such a lovely poem about a tree. Trees are important for the air. Regards Darlene.
Callus Avatar
June 30, 2019 at 7:51 AM
Thank you, Darlene. Hope you're enjoying the weekend. Regards // paul
Horsman Avatar
June 29, 2019 at 4:31 PM
Wow this is amazing, love what you both write, this together is so wonderful.
Devonshire Avatar
July 5, 2019 at 2:42 PM
Thanks so much, Harry. I may be coming to England in October. Would be nice to meet some of my favorite Soupers there, including you! (And I use my calendar every day. The photos of the countryside are amazing. Hugs for you, Carolyn
Callus Avatar
June 30, 2019 at 7:50 AM
Thank you, Harry; you are too kind. Regards // paul
Sands Avatar
June 29, 2019 at 4:29 PM
Congratulations to the both of you for a beautiful poem and Carolyn, wonderful ending :)
Sands Avatar
June 29, 2019 at 2:57 PM
Excellent poem with a lovely ending Paul! Well done :)
Callus Avatar
June 29, 2019 at 3:05 PM
Thank you, Heidi. That lovely ending is to be attributed to Carolyn. Best regards // paul
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