Withernwick - Trees

In the village where I was born
There was always lots of trees.
Especially those in the church yard,
Gently swaying in the slightest breeze.
I suppose there must have been times
When those branches were storm thrashed
And there must have been times 
When those  branches split and smashed
But, overhanging our cottage,
Those giants to my child’s eyes
Sent me to sleep 
With their whispers and sighs.
Murmured to me all night long
And woke me in the morning 
As they accompanied the chorus
Of dawn bird song.

I sheltered under those trees.
Some carried my name 
Carved with my first knife,
All boys had one then,
Just a part of country life.
I clung to those trunks as tightly 
As I would later cling to any lover
As I scrambled up to try to look over 
The village, my world spread below
I scrambled as high up as I dared go.

Most of those trees like my family 
Are now dead and gone
Those that are left shelter the graves
So I can move on.
I rarely go back now,
I feel so alone,
So I keep the village in my memories
And let the village keep the bones.
But, over the years
It keeps calling to me
My magical village of singing trees.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2023

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Bauer Avatar
March 14, 2023 at 1:30 PM
very touching, terry! i especially love the line about letting "the village keep the bones."
Ireland Avatar
March 15, 2023 at 1:22 AM
Thanks ilene - i visit maybe once a year. The Old Trees were brought down because of Dutch Elm Disease, but the replacements are coning on
Gorelick Avatar
March 14, 2023 at 11:40 AM
Along with Joyce Kilmer's iconic tribute to trees, I will add your poem, a more personal version to my list of great tree tributes, majestic! I'm going to fave it, Robert
Ireland Avatar
March 15, 2023 at 1:20 AM
Thanks Robert - am honoured and flattered by the comparison. I love that poem.
Turner Avatar
March 14, 2023 at 8:35 AM
Love the nostagia in this poem, Terry. Easily relatable as we all have those childhood memories that refuse to be forgotten. Great poetry!
Ireland Avatar
March 15, 2023 at 1:19 AM
Thanks Daniel. I think we all retain a bit of child in us and the memories help so much
Messina Avatar
March 14, 2023 at 4:07 AM
A fond memory, Terry. What is it about trees that brings us back to our childhood years? We had a single mimosa tree on our front yard. It always drew in the butterfies, countless days climbing that old beauty. Lovely poem. ~Charlie
Ireland Avatar
March 14, 2023 at 6:35 AM
Thanks Charlie. I think trees are so,E of the most beautiful things on this planet. Can imagine you, like me, climbing and having fun.
Volumes Avatar
March 14, 2023 at 2:48 AM
There are some beautiful pictures of the conservation area of Withernwick trees, and some sad ones of all the remains of the fallen ones. Must have been lovely to grow up around them Terry. A sentimental poem and a tribute to your childhood in remembrance of the Withernwick trees. I learn so much from your wonderful poems. I guess I am too old now, but I would love to have seen Hull.
Ireland Avatar
March 14, 2023 at 6:30 AM
Have soup mailled you Wen
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