Sandra Haight Poet Personification

Notes About The Poem

The Heart of Balmville

A living thing I was; I graced your land-
three hundred years and more, I stood with pride.
A focal point to meet with friends to stand,
or drive through intersecting roads beside
the wall that sheltered me, your age-old tree-
assumed long-standing for eternity.

The 'Heart of Balmville' often you called me;
so many grew up in my view's embrace,
and took for granted that my vision be
forever etched within this Balmville space.
Inside your small historic park, I stood
preserved for years in my dear ancient wood.

My statuesque magnificence, now gone-
your hearts are saddened, missing my great limbs.
But with my stump, may memories hold on-
while image of my leaves and branches dims.
May 'Heart of Balmville' live within your heart-
I, Balmville Tree, at last from you depart.


August 22, 2015

Premiere Contest: No 1183
Sponsor: Brian Strand

Note: "The Balmville Tree was Methuselah among trees, a gnarled
and furrowed Cottonwood that has lived four times as long as its
kind was meant to live.  George Washington rode past it on the way 
to his Newburgh, New York headquarters..." NY Times, 09/20/2015

♡Like0

Share Poem

---

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment

Skat A September 5, 2015 at 12:30 PM Sandra, Congrats on your win... LUV ~SKAT~

Dr. Upma A. Sharma September 5, 2015 at 10:20 AM Well expressed emotions Sandra! Congrats on big win!

Kim Merryman September 4, 2015 at 8:45 PM A touching and emotive write, Sandra! Congrats on your win! Love, Kim

Jadazzle United September 4, 2015 at 5:00 PM I remember reading this first time round Sandra and I was very surprised it didn't place in the original contest - so pleased to see it showcased again:-) hugs Jan xx

Carrie Richards August 31, 2015 at 9:53 AM So similar our stories, Sandra. And writing on a true to life tree meant even more, I would believe. It was nice to see the photograph too....yet so heartbreaking it is! Odd that we have both lived where such a tragedy of trees made our towns mourn the loss. Beautiful poem indeed.

Constance La France August 23, 2015 at 2:36 PM Sandra, such a beautiful personification, so much emotion in your words 7 and thanks for visiting my personification poem Sandra Haight August 24, 2015 at 8:00 PM Hi Broken, thank your for your positive comments and support. I really appreciate it! Hugs, Sandra

Eve Roper August 23, 2015 at 7:52 AM Love your story trees are so beautiful then to see one go is heartbreaking a 7 and good luck in the contest. Hugs Eve Sandra Haight August 24, 2015 at 8:02 PM Yes, it was heartbreaking, Eve. This Cottonwood was dated back to 1699, and became an historical site that people came to visit. So sad it became a safety issue with falling limbs, etc. Thank you for your supportive comments. Hugs, Sandra

Andrea Dietrich August 22, 2015 at 10:50 PM ahhh, another mighty poem of a mighty awesome tree! I just read Broken Wing's and I thought both of you did an amazing job describing trees that are no longer standing! Sandra Haight August 24, 2015 at 8:04 PM Thank you, Andrea. I appreciate your support so much. Sandra

Jadazzle United August 22, 2015 at 5:35 PM I remember reading this one before Sandra and being saddened it is no longer standing in its full glory - good luck in the contest:-) hugs Jan xxxx 7 Sandra Haight August 22, 2015 at 5:47 PM Thanks, Jan. I did revise and rewrite as a Personification, so it does read a little differently. Yes, the Town is still trying to decide what to do in its memory, since this spot was declared a State Park (smallest in USA!!), in 1996. Hugs, Sandra