scribbler
Apr 03, 2011

MESSENGER BEECH

There still grows a tree upon a bluff
above the river which it guards
and watches over course's plain
which floods whenever torrents reign.

And it grows far off the beaten path,
this ancient beech I chanced upon,
with nearly white smooth bleached bark
never touched by saw or wild fire's spark.

By its size I know that it was here
many years before I came to be
its bark by initials compromised
by lovers' pocket knives I surmised.

They must have wondered long ago
hand in hand, as far a trek as I
their letters now indistinct and wide
as for years the beech tree grew its hide.

I wonder are they still alive?
I wonder are they still in love?
Then I think of my own true love
and add our initials to theirs, but above.

Then inspecting my sharp handiwork
I satisfy myself well done
then set out walking in the bluff's lee
in dawning knowledge this old tree
will very likely outlive me.

About This Poem

Last Few Words: This started as a free verse, but rhyme kept creeping in so I decided to blend the two. Did it work ?

Review Request Direction: What did you think of my title?
How was my language use?
What did you think of the rhythm or pattern or pacing?
How does this theme appeal to you?
How was the beginning/ending of the poem?

Review Request Intensity: I want the raw truth, feel free to knock me on my back

Editing Stage: Editing - rough draft

About the Author

Region, Country: South Carolina, United States, USA

Favorite Poets: Frost

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Comments

S

i tend to space question marks because they look too close when writing then they become too far when posted lol.i was mere carelessness I guess lol.Thanks for the corrections and such kind comment............stan

S

Have seen a picture of what is reputed to be oldest living tree. It is a twisted bristle cone pine in the desert south west .It was around when Jesus was born. I'll let some others than myself determine if it's something new.................stan

S

I'll probably post a free verse today.That should give ample opportunity to find fault lol.............stan

S

Glad you liked this. Poem is recollection of a huge beech I happened upon far from any existing house. It had numerous old hearts and initials which had been carved long ago to whic I added Susan's and mine............stan

lovedly

to ur 2011 poetry
all beeches
like other plants leave a circle barks mark one for each year
you also know

you know their age
wish man had a similar way
girth should have been marked that way
now what do you stan say

ur poetry brings life
as all now know

loved has stopped to plough
as you said so
all neo
must know

S

Ah but if women should advertise their age so should men. I myself have the good looks of an 80 year old lol......stan