The Innocence of Youth

To hold, as 'twere, the mirror up to nature,
embracing truth as only reflection can hold.
While our mind concocts fastidious pleasure,
in search of mottled excuses bent to unfold.

Some threaten openly, words of censure,
hurled against the family tree displayed therein.
Yet which innocent, casts with stoic composure,
a stone of malicious word for the game to begin.

While the tree of life muddles fate in quiet solitude.
Its restless soul begging for optimistic pleasure,
It thinks its time before the mirror, but an interlude,
when in fact, the angel Gabriel takes his measure.

Only the tree of knowledge, cannot be maligned.
Within the face of it, read this significant truth.
From a reflection, the soul of man, you will not find,
only the sweet, sweet face, of innocence of youth.

© Apr 17 2011 Charles Henderson 
for Constance "the tree" contest
a family tree, tree of life, tree of knowledge
Copyright © | Year Posted 2011

Poem

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Onclaud Avatar
April 26, 2011 at 9:33 PM
a unique write which caprures the very essence of family and history.. my special cheers to you, dear charles.. it's been a while! :) huggs, nette
Brown Avatar
April 26, 2011 at 6:52 AM
Congratulations Charles on your win in Constance's "The Tree" contest. Love, Carol
Rutherford Avatar
April 26, 2011 at 5:56 AM
Charles ,original and inspired poem. Wonderful job ,well written. Anne
Poet Avatar
April 25, 2011 at 7:45 AM
This is so much different from the other poems,Charles.Wonderful.Congrats on your win---kash
Mehta Avatar
April 24, 2011 at 3:24 PM
Congratulations on the win in the contest of Constance
Dietrich Avatar
April 24, 2011 at 2:45 PM
I really like the symbolic way you did your trio of trees, Charles. YOu took it to another level and showed us a great message. Wish I heard more from you!! I will go now and see if you have done many recent ones!oh, and congratulations!
Onclaud Avatar
April 24, 2011 at 6:35 AM
kudos to you for the well-deserved win, charles... sublime! :) huggs
Sweetheart Avatar
April 23, 2011 at 9:08 PM
Congrats Charles on your wonderful winning poem in the tree contest with this lovely entry .. enjoy your great win as u celebrate the joy of Easteer Sunday with luv...
Freeman Avatar
April 23, 2011 at 7:11 PM
Great to see you in the winner's circle, Charles. Congratulations on your worthy poem's honor in place. Agape, Moses
George   Avatar
April 23, 2011 at 6:30 PM
Profound!!!! Charles. Many congrats on this MASTERPIECE. Lainie
Devonshire Avatar
April 23, 2011 at 5:49 PM
You really too the theme to a higher level, Charles. Congratulations on your win in Constance's contest! Love, Carolyn
Devonshire Avatar
April 20, 2011 at 2:21 PM
Much to ponder in this great poem, Charles. Truth and wisdom can't be maligned, regardless of the words hurled in anger. It remains the same. I especially like the insight in the last two lines. Best wishes in the tree contest! Love, Carolyn
La France Avatar
April 19, 2011 at 8:20 AM
Thank you for supporting my contest. Wonderful!
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