Photo © Lukasz Smigiel *2021*Trees
Above her head, skies—not Ruben’s skies,
populated with pink cherubs--
No, the skies she knows – Florida’s low steamy skies,
Texas’ aqua autumn skies, Kansas’ endless great plains skies,
or arching overhead her primal sky,
the Northwest Olympian skies.Beneath her feet- ice
Not the ice of rivers, lakes or even ponds;
but framed, measured out in meters or feet.
But she never needed guidelines to hit her mark!
She felt the right place instinctively.Surrounding her, born of earth and shaped by wind—
the sentinels that protect her, comfort her, and
accompany her—her tribe, the trees.
Composed of all species and colors—
deciduous, conifers even succulents
rising from the desert floor lifting to
the greatest mountain heights.They surround her and she feels
their might and power within her.
© Gay Reiser Cannon *8/3/2021* All Rights Reserved
Ooh, I love this!
ReplyDeleteThank you. I'm glad you did.
DeleteMy tribe too!! Their circles within telling the story of the centuries.
ReplyDeleteIndeed! That's an added bonus to the realization that her trees like her friends are of many colors, many countries, many languages, and all her relationships are formed with love and as with the sky - she shines her light on all of them. Thank you for the comment. It's much appreciated.
DeleteYou can't find better protectors and they are with you wherever you go.
ReplyDeleteVery moving write specially this part:
ReplyDeleteSurrounding her, born of earth and shaped by wind—
the sentinels that protect her, comfort her, and
accompany her—her tribe, the trees.
So lovely to read you Gay. Hope all is well. Take care.
It's been a while. I am doing pretty well. Not writing much. Trying to organize all the stuff I have. Love how beautiful your poetry is. I have seen you blossom these many years!
DeleteThe branches hold out their arms and the roots keep her grounded. She swims in the sky.
ReplyDeleteThank you Colleen. I think you understand our Shannon very well!
DeleteThis is a beautiful poem, the trees are definitely my tribe my kin. I love to walk amidst them as they give me a sense of deep peace. I feel more rooted.
ReplyDeleteThank you. I appreciate your comment and for reading!
ReplyDeleteHiya Gay - Such a grand intimacy here, love it love it. When I'm in this concord -- when I walk with heart wide to the canopy -- I hear this: our work is your work and your work is ours. That's a resonance to sing. If you're firing up the forges again, check out the earth poets at earthweal.com.
ReplyDeleteThanks Brendan, I will. It's time. The grains of sand are speeding up. Time is truly wiping all my disguises.
DeleteBeautifully written Gay and I love how instinct tells her where the ice is that carries her dance.
ReplyDeleteYou've conjured up some unfamiliar skies for me, but how I loved experiencing them!
ReplyDeleteYou have described (most exquisitely) my home in Bend Oregon ~ where after living in seven States ~ I have found peace and refuge.
ReplyDelete"Composed of all species and colors—deciduous, conifers even succulents rising from the desert floor lifting to the greatest mountain heights." Ahhhhhh, yes.
Jealous of that but I make do in Texas! Thanks for coming by and commenting!
DeleteLovely array of skies to draw on for inspiration. A sky full of trees is so magical and empowering. I love to hear how nature gives one guidance and strength. Your friend, Shannon sounds like a well-balanced person, on and off the ice. Thanks for joining in, Gay. Nice to see you. :)
ReplyDeleteThank you for your close reading of the piece. It's good to be back!
ReplyDeleteThe comfort and strength that can be derived from nature comes across beautifully in your poem -
ReplyDeleteThank you. There are personal meanings there as well. Appreciate your comment so much.
DeleteGorgeous poem, so rugged! Love all fit, especially:
ReplyDelete"Surrounding her, born of earth and shaped by wind—
the sentinels that protect her, comfort her, and
accompany her—her tribe, the trees." :-)
Thank you. It seems to work. I have become rusty as I haven't been writing much.
ReplyDeleteLovely
ReplyDelete