Notes About The Poem

Sarv-E Abarkuh

[“It nourishes the spirit and feeds the imagination” ~ Ryszard Antolak]

In the desert of Abarkuh
this magnificent cedar stands,
a symbol of beauty and happiness,
liberty and justice; the triumph of life.
Was it Zoroaster or Japheth
who planted this sacred Iranian tree
which has withstood the test of time,
defying nature’s most fierce elements?
There it stands, savouring memories
of distant years, witness to the birth 
and growth of modern civilization.
It bears no fruit, but it feeds the spirit
and offers shade to those who seek it.
Age takes its toll. Weary yet defiant
it clings on to stubborn faithful roots
waiting for the master to call its name
while swallows huddle in its welcoming
branches, whispering, as the sun goes down,
keeping her company right till the very end.

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Period of Time ~ a 4,000 year old tree
Contest: Punctuation Personified
Sponsor: Debbie Guzzi
Copyright © | Year Posted 2015

Poem

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Nunez Avatar
October 7, 2015 at 10:04 AM
Mixed reactions to this piece, Paul. As a stand alone poem, it is a very good take on the theme "period" in reference to time. A 4k y/o tree has lots of character and your words did it justice! As an entry in the contest, it's a wait-and-see for me. I myself got confused. The contest title was that of punctuation and yet offered one definition that covers your interpretation. Having said that, let me offer you my best wishes and sincere appreciation for this edifying historical piece. hugs!
Callus Avatar
October 7, 2015 at 3:45 PM
Hi Kim! I have a feeling that this poem will not make it to the final; the word 'punctuation' has not been justified! But at least I supported the contest with a new poem:) Thank you! Hugs // paul
Goff Avatar
October 4, 2015 at 10:00 PM
Hi Paul! Great story in fine verse! jimbo
Callus Avatar
October 5, 2015 at 11:45 AM
Hi Jimbo! It's a pleasure to have you stopping by! Thank you and keep well! // paul
Lamoureux Avatar
October 4, 2015 at 7:33 PM
Truly one of the best I have read Paul. Well expressed my friend.
Callus Avatar
October 5, 2015 at 11:34 AM
Thank you for reading and commenting generously, Richard! All the best. // paul
Lindley Avatar
October 3, 2015 at 6:54 PM
Great poem my friend. I have not a clue if it fits all the contest requirements. I thought about entering a poem but could not myself understand the contest requirements! Good luck in that contest.. A7 from me..
Callus Avatar
October 5, 2015 at 11:22 AM
I still do not know if it fits the contest rules, Robert, but that's no problem as long as another poem has seen light! Thank you for the high rating and the 'like'! All the best. // paul
Lindley Avatar
October 3, 2015 at 6:53 PM
Great poem my friend. I have not a clue if it fits all the contest requirements. I thought about entering a poem but could not myself understand the contest requirements! Good luck in that contest.. A7 from me..
Austin Avatar
October 3, 2015 at 9:52 AM
I love trees. To me they are more than plant life. Love, Dave
Callus Avatar
October 5, 2015 at 11:12 AM
I love trees, too, Daver...and maybe some even more than others because they have a lot to put up with! ~ All the best. // paul
Andresen Avatar
October 3, 2015 at 9:13 AM
- As always a pleasure to read, Paul - This is beautiful - Best wishes for a great weekend - Luck in contest - hugs // Anne-Lise :)
Callus Avatar
October 3, 2015 at 10:22 AM
Thank you Anne Lise. As always, a pleasure to have you dropping by:) May you too have a lovely weekend. ~ Hugs // paul
Tor Avatar
October 2, 2015 at 11:29 PM
Paul, you reign in this magnificent history. Savouring memories of distant years. Clever thoughts shown in this exceptional write. A winner in this beholders eyes. Winning entry!
Callus Avatar
October 4, 2015 at 4:57 PM
Thank you, Michael. Glad you like this poem, a tribute to a tree that is held in high esteem by Iranians, especially Zoroastrians. ~ All the best. // paul
Dietrich Avatar
October 2, 2015 at 5:21 PM
Paul, this is very beautiful, but to me it was an actual tree. How was it related to the personification of a comma?
Callus Avatar
October 3, 2015 at 10:04 AM
Thank you for liking...and asking:) I'm not sure myself! But I actually regarded "period" as a period of time, not a punctuation mark. Still mulling over whether to enter it or not! // paul
Allison Avatar
October 2, 2015 at 2:22 PM
a fascinating write Paul good luck in the contest:-) hugs jan xx
Callus Avatar
October 3, 2015 at 10:10 AM
Thank you, Jan. I knew that some trees have a long life span, but lasting 4,000 years is remarkable! Hugs // paul
Manassian Avatar
October 2, 2015 at 2:16 PM
Oh, Paul...An Iranian tree. How sweet are you!!! :) Loved this. Beautiful. Hugs
Callus Avatar
October 3, 2015 at 10:13 AM
I knew you would like this one, Eileen:) I had a choice of ten 'old' trees to choose from, but opted for this one. ~ Have a lovely weekend. hugs // paul
Deremer Avatar
October 2, 2015 at 1:53 PM
I really enjoyed your poem. Thank you.
Callus Avatar
October 3, 2015 at 9:58 AM
Thank you for stopping by to read, Pam. Regards ~ paul
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