At school
they made us
paint a picture
of a tree...one
in our road...
in our garden...
in the park.
“Get real close,”
Miss said...
“Just inches
from its bark;
feel it – touch it...
become that tree
through art.”
As I recall,
I was uninspired...
People stared
like I was crazy,
and a bird
left its ‘calling card’
on my head.
What was the point?
A tree, is a tree,
is a frigging tree!
In shadow-lands
of now...
fifty years on
I stand beneath
that tree...
its green,
wet smell.
Sense the contours
of its bark;
its gnarled,
arthritic branches
like question marks.
Only now –
my answer.
Comments
Highhat | August 20, 2011 - 06:57
Lovely picture. Must have been an inspiring teacher! I agree a tree is not just a tree. There are so many thousands of different trees and types of bark and leaves. Oh dear what do I know- but I think you know what I mean?
Thank you for a very enjoyable read Tina- really conjures up a lot of atmosphere and appreciation of nature- as usual in your glimpses of nature-
;)Pia
Silver Spun Sand | August 20, 2011 - 08:55
I know exactly what you mean, Pia;-) You do have a delightful way of explaining things, always.
Pleased you enjoyed, and 'nature' is sure looking beautiful in the sunshine this morning.
Tina;-)
shoe | August 20, 2011 - 09:16
I wonder at what point this learning comes? A simply wonderful, beautiful poem as befits trees.
Silver Spun Sand | August 20, 2011 - 10:51
That is a very good question, shoe. I always remember my younger daughter had no interest in plants, trees, etc...until much later - with a family and a home of her own. Now, she can't get enough of them.
Pleased you liked this, and I hope you have a sunny Saturday;-)
Tina
seashore | August 20, 2011 - 13:33
An art teacher with vision.....a rare breed. Inspirational - poem and teacher, Tina.
Silver Spun Sand | August 20, 2011 - 14:09
A rare breed, indeed. Thanks for your lovely comment, Coral. Have a good weekend;-)
Tina
MistakenMagic | August 20, 2011 - 15:07
"its gnarled,
arthritic branches
like question marks."
- love, love, LOVE these lines, Tina! A truly beautiful piece. Well done on the cherries :)
Magic xxx
skinner_jennifer | August 20, 2011 - 15:20
Hello Tina,
I think that the teacher you had, was such an
insperation. Somehow I'm sure that what she taught
you, made a lasting impression, for you to have
written such a beautiful poem.
Thankyou for a read on two subjects very close to
my heart, trees and painting.
Have a peaceful, sunny weekend.
Jenny.
Silver Spun Sand | August 20, 2011 - 15:47
Well hello there, Magic;-) Hope life's treating you well, and it's so good to hear from you.
Thanks so much for the lovely comment, and I'm really pleased it caught your eye;-)
Tina xxx
Silver Spun Sand | August 20, 2011 - 15:51
You're welcome, Jenny;-)
I've just now come in from the garden to see how our few fruit trees are doing. We had loads of Mirabelles this year (tiny, yellow plums) and so far just a few cooking apples. The trees have struggled this year with the lack of rain, but they've picked up a bit lately.
So pleased you enjoyed this Jenny, and I think trees are what I have painted more than anything else. They are so inspiring and look so different in the changing seasons.
Tina
threeleafshamrock | August 20, 2011 - 22:45
'Youth is wasted on the young.' Funny how appreciation grows with age/experience(s). Love this Tina and can identify perfectly but luckily, even the young(er) can appreciate this lovely piece and who knows, maybe even learn ;) Superb and as usual, hits the nail squarely on the head!
Chris ;)
Silver Spun Sand | August 21, 2011 - 07:56
Richard - thanks, so much;-) Really pleased you got so much from this.
Tina
Silver Spun Sand | August 21, 2011 - 07:57
Hi there, Chris;-) Good to hear from you, and that I managed to 'hit the nail on the head' for you;-) Have a good week.
Tina
barryj1 | August 23, 2011 - 14:29
What is the sound of one hand clapping?
A poem with a subtle, Zen-like quality. You created a 'koan' of your own choosing. Nice poem. Evern nicer imagery, especially the way you challenge your reader to travel beyond the black on white.
Silver Spun Sand | August 23, 2011 - 16:53
Ha, ha!! Always did like a 'riddle without any solution...barry;-) I guess it appeals to my rather contrary nature...hence this poem, I suspect, and I know my long-suffering partner would agree;-)
Many thanks.
Tina