The Chairs Tale

For decades I grew in a foreign land,
by a forest unclaimed by mortal man.
Here the trees were old and strong,
silent but for the wild bird's song.

Man came and named the forest "Black,"
and many of us were felled by the axe.
I was hewn and carved with care,
skillfully crafted: a beautiful chair.

My wood is carved with vines and blooms,
my beauty has graced a hundred rooms,
oiled and waxed by countless hands,
a silent witness since time began.

I remember the forest, silent and pure,
and the craftsman so skilled, and yet so poor.
I remember each household, each parent and babe,
each kitten curled up and the purr that they made.

Now I reside in a museum of art,
roped off from all touch, it's breaking my heart.
The people come and they stand and they stare,
and none of them realize that--I am aware.

©Danielle White
Copyright © | Year Posted 2009

Poem

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Haick Avatar
December 21, 2009 at 8:36 AM
Extraordinary write, Danielle! congratulations on your win in the contest! Somehow, I missed this earlier on. I really love this and it goes to my favs. Peace and love to you this Christmas and for the coming New Year! Audrey
K. Avatar
December 20, 2009 at 11:33 PM
This is really beautifully written, Danielle-- elegant and classy in its own way :) enjoyed reading this & congratulations on your win with this :)!
Dufresne Avatar
December 20, 2009 at 7:41 PM
That beautiful chair of yours wasn't the only thing that was skillfully crafted, Danielle! This poem gives new meaning to the words "hand carved". A master piece. congratulations and God bless. -Robert
George   Avatar
December 20, 2009 at 4:45 PM
SENTATIONAL! Danielle. Congratulations on your win. Love, Lainie. Wishing you and yours a very Merry Christmas and all the Best In the New Year.
Heck Avatar
March 4, 2009 at 9:13 AM
Dear Danielle - Congratulations on your WIN in Deborah's contest! Peace always, John
Jordan Avatar
March 3, 2009 at 9:03 PM
Danielle congratulations on placing in Deborah's Contest - God Bless, MJ
P. Avatar
March 2, 2009 at 11:09 PM
Congrats! ~ Arany
Gass Avatar
March 2, 2009 at 1:58 PM
Congratulations on your win in Debbie's contest with this beautiful poem! Love, Robin
Winter Avatar
March 2, 2009 at 8:26 AM
Congratulations Danielle on your awesome win in Debbie's contest! Love, Shar
Richards Avatar
March 2, 2009 at 7:12 AM
Congratulations, Danielle!! Such a wonderful poem, and well deserving to be among the winners!! ~ Loved this one!~ Carrie
Devonshire Avatar
February 26, 2009 at 7:58 AM
Danielle, I hope this great work receives its deserved recognition in the "chair" contest! This tree will live on in the "beauty (that) has graced a hundred rooms. LOVE the last two lines. If only trees could talk! Thanks for your compassionate comments on "Robbing the Dead." Love, Carolyn
Higgins Avatar
February 17, 2009 at 6:34 AM
Very good writing my friend..great addition to the contest..best wishes.
Richards Avatar
February 17, 2009 at 6:29 AM
I loved this poem...it makes me think of all the museums where I've stood looking of the treasures of the past, ...it puts a different slant on those priceless pieces...gives them human qualities. ~ Good luck in Deborah's contest, Danielle! ~ Carrie
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