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The Wood-Wide Web

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Published by Rhiannonw on July 10, 2012 - 21:43
from the ABC set Nature

The wood-wide web of mycelial threads,
inside the soil unseen it spreads,
linking, attaching to tiny plant roots
(no attacking to impair, but partnership). It shoots
periscope-toadstools upwards, bursting out,
to decorate the forest floor, spread spore-dust round about.

No world-wide net to gather ‘facts’,
assimilate, send out again, remix;
a web to harvest moisture, assemble and refix
building blocks digested from dying life’s decay,
and beneficial substances not left to leach away.
Entangling web that binds, improving texture
and drainage of this rich and complex mixture
that beds our food, bears beauty, vital earth
whose greenery restocks the air, our daily breath.

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Comments

Silver Spun Sand | July 10, 2012 - 22:28

Love your play on words in this one, Rhiannon. A true wordsmith at their best;-)

Tina

Rhiannonw | July 11, 2012 - 00:00

Thank you, Tina, — much appreciated from one who has quite a standard in word use herself! Glad you enjoyed this one. It has been a little while coming into form. Rhiannon

fatboy74 | July 11, 2012 - 02:18

Some really nice word play and rhymes as Tina says. well done Rhiannon.

Rhiannonw | July 11, 2012 - 08:23

Thanks, appreciate the comment, FB. Rhiannon

well-wisher | July 11, 2012 - 14:32

I liked this a lot, Rhiannon.

A poem about life that really comes to life on
the page.

JoHn -

"Ex amore victoria". ("From love comes victory".)

Rhiannonw | July 11, 2012 - 14:50

Thank you, too, John. Glad it worked! Rhiannon

ItsSteveDave | July 13, 2012 - 12:58

Hi Rhiannon, again a really whimsical and acutly observed poem.

I know this is strange, but 'building blocks digested from dying life’s decay/and beneficial substances not left to leach away' - I've just bought a new fish tank, and it made me think of all the new plants rooting and coming to life in balance with my fish!

Rhiannonw | July 13, 2012 - 13:58

Yes, that would make an interesting piece of research! Thanks again for your comment, Steve. Rhiannon

bonzo | July 14, 2012 - 10:52

Very struck by the imagery of the web nurturing and nourishing within. Rhiannon, it brought back to me the scent of damp earth on a walk through the woods. Now there's a thought for Sunday!

Rhiannonw | July 14, 2012 - 11:00

The earth is certainly damp at the moment! But, as you say its scent is enjoyable and relaxing, even when the undergrowth is rather wet. I'm glad you enjoyed the verse, and thank you for telling me. Rhiannon