The Juniper and Pine
Like a gnarled old elder it stands ancient
twisted scarred limbs like a scene in a horror
hacked and torn against time,
beetle holes and wood pecker assaults
not withstanding, growing and thriving like time
The outlier cousine, a younger branch
stands tall and seemly a lithe woman
an odd pair, living like old neighbors
digging roots into sandy and rocky soil;
daring all to move them out, we've been here
Sentient, I wonder betimes, snaking arms akimbo
a stalwart grapevine too big for it's britches
Tough as an old crow, I'd say...
a thousand year old crow that is,
no sweet tender fruit hanging about, no sirree...
A bit of sun showing 'tween long needles
throwing such shade as a sheer negligee
peckers drawing clear blood sap,
she's scarred too, these small holes dripping life
a small nest teeters on high branch in the wind
He looks far east, a nod to the elders
he knows his worth, a dance to the living
though crippling and splitting since birth
I'd rather sit by him in strength of his shade
smelling the sweet perfume of his lady friend
writing a few words on the character of age
bbmac53
Copyright © Ben Mcclellan | Year Posted 2015
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