Silver Birch

Cherry

By onemorething

Wed, 01 Dec 2021
  • 1022 reads
8 comments
 

Poem 5 for Day 5 of National Tree Week - Silver Birch was requested by Claire and @lbfroid and Insert. And if I remember correctly, I think that Jenny really likes them too.

 

'Weeps the birch of silver bark with long dishevelled hair' Anon.

 

Beneath the skin, 

a beginning, beneath 

with milkcap and violet -

the ghosts of before.

I may shield my eyes

from what the sun brights 

upon, wish for cloud,

but a silver birch will twist 

itself into a witch's knot,

into paper fairies,

all peel and broom,

she will not weep,

this moon-gatherer,

defiant lady of the woods.

 

 

Image is from here: https://commons.m.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Tom_Thomson_Silver_Birches.jpg

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Comments

Submitted by marandina on

"...will twist itself into a witch's knot..." Such a wonderful collection of tree poems. Keep going!

 

Submitted by onemorething on

Thanks Paul, just today and tomorrow to go! :)

 

Submitted by skinner_jennifer on

I do love silver birch trees Rachel. Planted two not far from where I live.many years ago.

I love the lines:-

but a silver birch will twist 

itself into a witch's knot,

into paper fairies,

all peel and broom,

she will not weep,

this moon-gatherer,

defiant lady of the woods.

Funnily enough I always call the moon, the silver lady of the night. Perhaps because she's my ruling planet.

Anyway another stunning poem from you Rachel.

Just loving these tree poems so much.

Jenny.

 

Submitted by onemorething on

Ah thanks Jenny, really happy you're enjoying them. It's funn because silver birch are as much connected to the sun as the moon for their brightness, but they are much more moonish to me. And yes, I think you are a lady of the moon too so I can see why it's you're ruling planet. :)

 

Submitted by celticman on

sliver birch is a self-seeder, murder to get out of paths and hedges. 

 

Submitted by onemorething on

They do spread and grow well, it's true. I'm sure I read a story once about a man suing his council because he wanted the silver birches by the road cut down due to the seeds 'ruining his life' - he couldn't leave the house because they got everywhere and looked messy... Though my vote would have been for getting rid of him rather than the trees. 

 

Submitted by Insertponceyfre... on

you've left me speechless with this one - as beautiful as a silver birch at night - and there's no greater compliment - thank you!

celticman - put one in a jiffy bag and send it to me!

 

Submitted by onemorething on

So happy you liked it. :)