The Iron Willed Elm

Mourning the holes in my canopy
Three Catalpa now
The Maple next door
My own Cedars
And the Pine that brought the Crossbills
But then there's the little Elm on my block
It's spine entwined with the iron fence
The house burnt down last year
The big old Maple brought down
I was warmed to see the little Elm survived
His burnt bits delicately removed
I think the arborist felt so too
Copyright © | Year Posted 2018

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

Blodgett Avatar
May 11, 2019 at 10:58 AM
Love the sensitivity and imagery, and how you personified the perspective!
Pigeon Tart Avatar
May 11, 2019 at 11:38 AM
Thank you Lonna! That little tree is still going, just noticed trimmed a lot more to accommodate a bigger house, I thought of this piece. :) xomo
Gauthier Avatar
April 21, 2019 at 11:36 PM
Congrats on your win, Maureen. Well penned.
Pigeon Tart Avatar
April 22, 2019 at 7:26 AM
Thank you Line, I hope you are well, xomo <3
Gaul Avatar
November 15, 2018 at 7:23 AM
David Haskell has some interesting thoughts how trees live on after their "death" in books, musical instruments, and nurturing forest life for animals and insects. This poem is a sweet sentiment to the many trees you've thought to love, so well penned. Words live on too.
Pigeon Tart Avatar
November 15, 2018 at 8:12 AM
Thank you Greg, we couldn't live without them. I'll look up David Haskell :) xomo
Shaw Avatar
November 13, 2018 at 8:18 PM
I always admire survivors Maureen and you both make quite a pair . . . ; )
Pigeon Tart Avatar
November 14, 2018 at 7:25 AM
<3 <3 <3
Gauthier Avatar
November 12, 2018 at 5:28 PM
Lovely, Maureen. Congrats on your top win.
Pigeon Tart Avatar
November 13, 2018 at 8:04 AM
Thank you Line! :) xomo
Wolf Avatar
November 11, 2018 at 6:56 PM
The little tree that could! :) gw
Pigeon Tart Avatar
November 11, 2018 at 10:17 PM
Love that <3
Faulkner Avatar
November 10, 2018 at 4:01 PM
So fragile and brave - your little tree gives me courage!
Pigeon Tart Avatar
November 11, 2018 at 7:32 AM
It perseveres! Thank you Michelle :) xomo!
Trifiatis Avatar
November 8, 2018 at 7:48 AM
Saving a little tree gives hope to future! Lovely written dearest, Maureen!
Pigeon Tart Avatar
November 8, 2018 at 8:15 AM
That it does :) where there is a will there is a way. Thank you my friend, xomo
Horsman Avatar
November 7, 2018 at 3:04 PM
Beautiful and caring, and so inspiring..
Pigeon Tart Avatar
November 8, 2018 at 7:00 AM
Thank you Harry! :) xomo
Mcferran Avatar
November 7, 2018 at 2:14 PM
Lovely poem with the perfect title- LOVE this one! ;)
Pigeon Tart Avatar
November 8, 2018 at 6:59 AM
Thank you Rhona! :))) xomo
Green Avatar
November 7, 2018 at 10:57 AM
Isn't nature and the scenes it creates amazing. This was so cool. I have many trees on my property, it is the reason I bought it and each and everyone of them are beautiful and I consider my friends. I talk to them often. Weird huh?
Pigeon Tart Avatar
November 8, 2018 at 6:57 AM
Lol! ;D
Green Avatar
November 7, 2018 at 12:43 PM
They usually just bark at me. : )
Pigeon Tart Avatar
November 7, 2018 at 12:21 PM
Nah. It's only weird when they talk back ;) Thank you dear! xomo :)
Hauser  Avatar
November 7, 2018 at 9:05 AM
We need to save all the trees we can... Wonderful write!
Pigeon Tart Avatar
November 7, 2018 at 9:15 AM
I second that emotion :) thank you! xomo
Get a Premium Membership
Turn off ads, get more exposure for your poetry, and get more features with a Premium Membership.
Book: Diverse Voices: The Poetry of Human Rights and the Pursuit of Peace