Topiary

Trees
whisper    wintry    secrets
in    the    bare    bones    of    their    topiary,
rubbing limbs
with               knurly      suppleness,
embracing    silhouettes    in    their    lacy    canopy,
growing    side by side,    content
in their long      marriage      of species,
a symphony
of     bark
and    knots,
of    sap
and long-awaited buds.

Kim M. Russell, 8th February 2021

Image result for inosculation trees

My response to dVerse Poets Pub Quadrille Quadrille: Let’s Embrace

Merril reminds us that next Sunday is Valentine’s Day. I don’t bother with Valentine’s Day, but I agree with her – I would never say no to good dark chocolate. However, February is a sad month for me as my mother’s funeral was on this day four years ago, which is why I am grateful for the embrace of this Monday’s quadrille.

I love the examples Merril has given, from poems by Walt Whitman and Mary Oliver.

Free image of inosculation (married trees) found on Dreamstime. 

54 thoughts on “Topiary”

  2. Married trees! 😍👏 Oh how beautiful is that! This is exquisitely rendered, Kim. I love the shape of your quadrille swirling like leaves on the screen. This is particularly lovely; “a symphony of bark and knots,of sap and long-awaited buds.” 💝💝

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  4. I’m so sorry about the sad memories on this date, and for your loss.

    You’ve given us a wonderful poem of trees embracing. I always love seeing how trees reach towards one another. I am so impressed that you also managed to get such a good poem into a tree shape!

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    1. Thank you, Merril. January and February are tricky months, with death, wedding and funeral anniversaries all on the calendar. I love writing about trees and writing this poem gave me a bit of a lift.

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  7. How in the world on the joined trees. Many blessings to them. I love the tree shape it has great character just as your descriptive poem does. Sorry to hear this is a sad anniversary for you, Kim. {{{HUGS}}}

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  8. I am so sorry for your loss, Kim. My heart goes out to you, my friend. ❤ ❤

    This is such a beautiful, in-depth poem communicating the aspects of nature everlasting its love. It can even be about the comparison on how true love grows together especially in different times. I also can see how it delineates that the buds of peace may arrive soon. Of course, my interpretations are subjective. 🙂 But I love how I can see so many different meanings flow through this piece like the wind. There's a certain solemnity, yet peace as I read this poem. It's brilliant in your brilliant Kim poetic style. It's absolutely wonderful and the shape just captures your eye! Clever.

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  10. What wonderful new words, Inosculation & topiary–fodder for future poetics. The shape of your poem is fantastic. It takes a moment, while reading, to grasp the significance.

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    1. Thanks Glenn. Inosculation was a new word to me, but I came across on on my search for images of ‘marriage trees’ – it’s the correct term. I love new words!

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  24. Love this shape poem….and by separating your words, you’ve illustrated that flirting with the sun that leaves so often do. Your description is so good here, Kim.

    Apologies for late reading…..I was glued to our television Tuesday noon until Saturday afternoon: watched every single minute of the impeachment trial. I’m an old debater from high school and university days…so really was enthralled with the process. An amazing case of methodically presented evidence. Sometimes I found myself yelling at the tv! Not happy with the verdict….but there were 7 brave Republicans and most importantly, all is now in the record for history.

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