Tree

A murder of crows screech my funeral song,
disturbing the eerie silence that surrounds.
Heartless hands have left scars etched into my crumbling bark,
as bleeding sap drips upon ivory sands,
which fail to comfort the aches of my collapsed torso.

I once ascended under sapphire skies,
as golden rays adorned my emerald lush leaves,
but now I've descended into dismal decay,
realising humanity has no use for me -
offering me as a sacrifice to toxic tides.

I can still remember the sound of crashing to the ground,
as men with axes laughed at the glory of my demise,
allowing me to slowly sink toward the abyss of nothingness,
now I'm helpless as ripples of regret carry me into the sea.

Alone and abandoned, above me is only dreary darkness.
I'm barely breathing, listening to careless whispering waves,
smashing against my soaked motionless trunk,
drowning me deeper in self deprecation. 
Frigid branches begin to crumble and snap,
as I slumber cradling echoes of worthlessness
Copyright © | Year Posted 2023

Poem

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Kerr Avatar
October 18, 2023 at 12:37 AM
Hi Ink Empress, Congratulations on two literary fronts. First and foremost, your richly deserved selection on merit. You have also composed a magnificent work that probes depths of profound sadness. Your very apt vivid imagery underpins a crystal clear message. I was quite overwhelmed by it all Best wishes Howard Kerr
Hind Avatar
September 9, 2023 at 3:20 PM
You have really created an unmatched poem yet again. It was beautiful. But I feel such great pain...
Empress Avatar
September 23, 2023 at 11:48 PM
Awwn thank you for reading and for feeling my words
Edmonds  Avatar
September 3, 2023 at 8:14 AM
It’s a sin to see trees cut down, they should be left where they are, safe and sound. I adore trees, they make for wonderful poetry such as this….. Blessings, Belle
Empress Avatar
September 23, 2023 at 11:48 PM
I agree makes me sad too to see trees cut down, thank you always for your support
Lamoureux Avatar
September 2, 2023 at 10:59 AM
A beautiful sadness.
Empress Avatar
September 23, 2023 at 11:48 PM
Thank you so much
George Avatar
August 31, 2023 at 9:23 AM
The feelings of helplessness and dejection of the decaying tree are so powerfully delineated. The tree had a glorious past. But now abandoned by men, it is pulled down from its pedestal existence to the bare ground, letting it to rot away. Very impactful descriptions creating flickerings of pain. Wonderfully done dear Empress.
Ashley Avatar
August 31, 2023 at 8:42 AM
Dear Ink Empress, your multi-layered metaphorical poem is deep and rich with dynamic imagery and dramatic emotion rendered in wistful reminisces of the past and the sad reality of a fateful present. A potent piece of dark gripping verse! Warmest wishes.. ~Susan
Sharma  Avatar
August 31, 2023 at 6:57 AM
You've really conquered my soul by pulling my emotional heartstrings today, sigh, every write of yours just speaks to me to the core and I can't help but be in awe of how magnificent and amazing this personification write is.. The tree, all sombre and gloomy, waiting for its executors to punish its life.. How those beings mock us in our states of misery and do everything to ruin us.. You've depicted such emotions in a very impactful and heartbreaking way! The sadness and melancholy is palpable
Sharma  Avatar
August 31, 2023 at 6:59 AM
I can feel every aching emotion in this piece, falling into the abyss and heading towards oblivion.. Definitely painstaking.. It moved my soul and is surely hurtful for the nerves to imagine such emotions.. But, a usual experience for the soul who has already gone through this..
Mcintosh Avatar
August 31, 2023 at 2:21 AM
Wonderful personification. Love the tree, love your poem, love the details and delicious insights. God bless you dear poet, Love, Gina
Empress Avatar
August 31, 2023 at 2:24 AM
Thank you dearest Gina, i appreciate you always
One Avatar
August 31, 2023 at 1:43 AM
One of your best. Excellent personification, using great metaphors. I like the contrast between personifying a tree and also using the analogy of someone who is depressed and feeling really low... I got the feeling of helplessness, being chopped down my mankind and laying there with no one to help... We all can feel like this sometimes.. but it can also have a deeper meaning like patriarchy and the sins of man against women. I dont know which line to pick out here.. the opening is powerful
Empress Avatar
August 31, 2023 at 2:02 AM
im truly humbled and so pleased to hear your thoughts on this personification. Thank you so much for your wonderful feedback.
Poet Avatar
August 30, 2023 at 5:17 PM
The melancholic yet enchanting words of a tree personified take us on a sorrowful but magical journey. Your exquisite use of metaphors, coupled with carefully chosen words, adds a remarkable level of beauty to this poem. Be blessed dear friend.
Empress Avatar
August 30, 2023 at 10:00 PM
Thank you always for your kindest support
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