The Tree

Once a tree spoke to me in words of color and grace.

It said to exist it had to persist in its purpose to have its place.

In hues of green it said it had seen many a year and season

With interesting features like other creatures, which added branches of reason.

Diversity flourishing, nature nourishing participants on life's stage.

Constantly changing and rearranging turns the evolutionary page.

Death and birth for mother earth, two sides of the same coin.

Are lessons learned when the tree is burned? In front of the hearth they join

To warm their feet in its radiant heat it protects and it shelters,

And mother earth's womb feeds its seeds to once again shade when summer swelters.

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Explanation of "The Tree"

When I wrote "The Tree," my intention was to bring to life the profound connections and lessons nature offers us, especially in the context of the International Day for Biological Diversity (May 22, 2024). This poem is a way to express the wisdom and beauty of trees, which often go unnoticed in our busy lives.

In the beginning, I imagined a tree speaking to me, using "words of color and grace." This idea of the tree communicating its purpose and existence felt powerful to me. Trees, in their silent steadfastness, embody resilience and persistence. They survive through countless seasons, weathering storms and basking in sunshine, much like us as we navigate through life’s ups and downs.

As the tree speaks in "hues of green," it reflects its many years of growth and the experiences it has witnessed. This imagery is meant to convey the deep connection between the tree and its environment. Trees are not isolated beings; they are part of a larger community, contributing to the "branches of reason"—a metaphor for the interconnected web of life.

I wanted to highlight the rich diversity of life, which flourishes under the nurturing care of nature. The idea that nature is constantly changing and evolving reminds us that life is dynamic and ever-changing. Evolution is a natural process that propels life forward, adapting and transforming in response to new challenges and opportunities.

The line "death and birth for mother earth, two sides of the same coin" reflects the cyclical nature of life. Even when a tree burns, it leaves behind lessons and contributions. The hearth, warming our feet with its radiant heat, symbolizes how the remnants of the tree continue to serve and nurture us. It’s a reminder that even in death, there is a form of rebirth and continuity.

The final image of mother earth’s womb feeding the seeds represents the promise of new life. Trees that once provided shade and shelter in their prime will give way to new generations, continuing the cycle of life. This idea brings a sense of hope and renewal, emphasizing the importance of preserving our natural world for future generations.

In essence, "The Tree" is my way of reminding us all to appreciate the incredible diversity of life around us. Trees, with their silent wisdom and enduring presence, teach us about resilience, interconnectedness, and the endless cycle of life and renewal. Through this poem, I hope to inspire others to recognize the vital role that every element of nature plays in sustaining the balance of our ecosystem and to take action to protect and cherish our natural world.

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