My response to the eco poetry prompt at dVerse poets pub
There is great satisfaction
In watching a tree grow over a lifetime;
to know
That someone in the future will sit under the same tree
Look up at the delicate detail of bark and leaves
Enjoy blossom in spring
Fruit and nuts and the splendour of autumn
Landmarks in time and space
Connecting past
Present and future
Of the human race
Trees preserve the environment
They are the planet’s lungs
Protecting wildlife
Conserving water
Providing heat
Food and fuel
Medicine and tools
They are playmates
And teachers
Peaceful giants
In a cynical, violent world
Weaving magic and calm
In the shade of foliage and branches
Above far reaching roots
That hold soil in place and absorb the rain
On a carpet of rich soil fed by the skeletons of autumn leaves
Beautiful and majestic, no two trees are alike, changing with the seasons
An endless variety of shapes, textures and colours: there are many reasons
To plant trees as living monuments to life
© Kim M. Russell, 2016
writing in north norfolk 
There is so much to love about trees, and you express it beautifully.
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Thank you 🙂
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I love all the things a tree can be… we simply have to live with them. not against them… Planting a tree is to plan for future.
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This is a great ode to trees ~ I specially admire:
Connecting past
Present and future
and:
They are the planet’s lungs
Thanks for joining us Kim ~
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Thank you, Grace, for such a challenging and interesting topic.
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Beautiful and majestic, no two trees are alike, changing with the seasons
An endless variety of shapes, textures and colours: there are many reasons
Wonderfully done 😀
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Thank you for your comments. I have loved trees since I was very young and my dream is to live in cabin in a forest 😊
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Especially powerful that trees are the lungs of the planet, something ignored when they are being clearcut. This was so enjoyable to read.
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Thank you 😃
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WOW! Trees as “the planet’s lungs” — just wonderful. What a visual. And so, so true.
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I have mainly trees and shrubs in my small shady garden, which also means plenty of wildlife. This weekend we’re doing a bird count conserving for the RSPB. Nature rocks!
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There’s nothing like being cradled in the arms of a mighty oak tree when you’re a young girl. This memory of mine is another reason to plant a tree. Love your heartfelt passion for our beautiful “friends.”
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So pleased to hear from other tree fans. 😄
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It is a precious reminder of the role of trees in our lives. Yes, it is a joy to plant one, to watch it grow. Sadly, this year, we have lost one and are losing another thanks to the drought in Nevada. We nurtured them from saplings and it is painful to lose them. But, such is the circle of life.
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I’m sorry to hear about your trees and the drought. It’s difficult to imagine that over here in the UK, where we’ve been having unusual amounts of rainfall and floods.
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The poem expresses such a continuity that trees can give us with the past.
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I very much enjoyed this lovely tribute to trees.
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Trees are to be loved, climbed, have a swing in but most of all they are to lie under and dream. I love your beautiful tribute to how you see trees. I thought I would add my two cents thank you Kim I love you work.
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Thank you for such kind comments 🙂
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Kim you are a remarkable young woman thank you for your comments back to me.
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Thank you for referring to me as ‘young’ 🙂
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Trees breathe liFe iN uS..
We cut uS down..
and suffocate..
while
we
wait
to grow..
iN life aGaiN..
Nature inside..
outside.. above..
so below and
all around
leaves of wE
spread as giving
Love.. Tree of
Life
iS uS as
Nature.. Free
Wild wE are
iN branches
so tall
and wide
Loving
Leaves..:)
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“Peaceful giants / In a cynical, violent world”…so much to learn from tree in silence…
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