The Old Tree

It is strange
how things that we see
and take for granted
in everyday life
should suddenly instil
in our minds
a new awareness
of their presence

A silent moment
a brief pause
from life's ever quickening pace
a moment of peace -
in times like these
a common thing
like a dried old tree
becomes alive with beauty

It stands like a quiet sentinel
who has witnessed 
many an event 
through time
Time has passed by 
but it remains 
silently standing there
O Tree!
What secrets do you store
in your noble branches?
How many events have you recorded
that man knows nothing of?

In your younger days
when you wore your mantle of green
you nested the carefree birds
to their offspring
you gave protection
When the sun scorched the earth
you gave them cool shade
On a cool windy night
you gave them warmth
How pleasant was their song 
to your ear 
as they sang a song of thanks
to you

You were a playmate to the children
When they romped at your feet
or climbed on your branches
you smiled
Time grew older
and the children became lovers
You saw them kiss in your shade
soft with the light of the moon
The aura of their love
touched your leaves
and you blushed

Today 
they have all gone away
but you still remain 
silent sentinel
still waiting and watching
How many untold events 
have you witnessed
faithful keeper of secrets?

O that my soul could commune with you
and share of your rugged beauty!
Most Noble Tree!
forgive me for my
once-waxen eyes
Copyright © | Year Posted 2013

Poem

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Mehta Avatar
February 4, 2014 at 6:34 AM
Wonderful poem, your favorite one. Congrats on the win, john
Puddifoot Avatar
February 3, 2014 at 7:25 PM
what a lovely poem! nice personification; I particularly like the fifth stanza, and the two closing lines - congrats on your win in my contest :)
Guzzi Avatar
February 3, 2014 at 7:14 PM
Congrad's on your win. Light & Love
A   Avatar
November 25, 2013 at 11:36 PM
John,, Congratulations :-) for your nice win.... Thank you for considering my contest. Good Night ~ Linda ~
Adams Avatar
September 26, 2013 at 4:40 PM
nature is such an inspiration to my own poetry so I was drawn to this...lovely, lovely poem...congrats on your win :)
Beharry Avatar
September 27, 2013 at 9:28 PM
Thank you, Sandra
Morgan Avatar
September 26, 2013 at 4:32 AM
Congrats. Morgan
Beharry Avatar
September 26, 2013 at 9:44 AM
Thank you, Danesh.
Mehta Avatar
September 26, 2013 at 12:49 AM
Congrats on the win in the contest, john
Beharry Avatar
September 26, 2013 at 9:45 AM
Thank you, Dr. Mehta
A  Avatar
September 25, 2013 at 9:14 PM
hello John, congrats , Love ~SKAT~
Beharry Avatar
September 26, 2013 at 9:47 AM
Thank you, Skat.
A   Avatar
September 25, 2013 at 5:17 PM
John, CONGRATULATIONS!!! Thanks for supporting my Any Poem Goes contest. Exactly what I was looking for, SIMPLE-PLEASING & BEAUTIFUL- teasing the reader with such awesome imagery. If you'd like:-) stop by my latest poem ""In The Stars"" OR my latest blog! " Animal Cruelty " at -----> http://www.poetrysoup.com/poetry_blogs/blog_detail.aspx?BlogID=15953&PoetID=18720 **LINDA
Beharry Avatar
September 26, 2013 at 9:33 AM
Thank you, Linda, for the recognition given to "The Old Tree". I wrote this quite a few years ago and it has remained one of my favourite pieces in view of the beautiful emotions it evokes in me whenever I read it. I hope it does the same for others. Thanks again!
Koven Avatar
September 16, 2013 at 7:17 PM
John, I really loved this poem. I also really love trees as I have written about them and draw them. You really caught the essence of their existence with this exceptional work. Congratulations. Allan
Beharry Avatar
September 27, 2013 at 9:34 PM
Thank you, Allan. I have viewed some of your poems on nature and am impressed by their depth and your powers of expression for which I commend you. I am humbled by your comment. Best Wishes!
Farmer Avatar
September 9, 2013 at 2:01 PM
GOOD
Beharry Avatar
September 10, 2013 at 9:06 AM
Thank You, Ryan!
Farmer Avatar
September 9, 2013 at 2:00 PM
Very nice, very nice is inspiring have a poem about a tree too yours is very good
Beharry Avatar
September 10, 2013 at 7:48 AM
Thank you for your comment, Ryan. I think that trees are some of the most overlooked and taken-for-granted life forms, in spite of the fact that they serve such an important function on our planet. They convert the carbon dioxide that other life forms, including ourselves, exhale into the atmosphere into oxygen, which we breathe in again.
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