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Open Poetry #47
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Honeybunch
Member Rara Avis
since 2001-12-29
Posts 7115
South Africa

0 posted 2011-03-30 10:27 AM


There amidst what's gone to seed
grows a paw-paw tree
tall and straight and strong
and I breathed within the sense of it
as a force to fight my tears.

So the tree o'er laid and confined
every single tear
but heavy, oh, so heavy,
is that which can't escape.

Beneath that pile of garbage lies
the root of all despair
and it thrives on every watery tear
in its push-up from the dirt.

Freedom, freedom, freedom for
every tear that needs to flow
because then the very root of all
stays buried as before.

And yet, and yet, the source must die
but I know, you know, we all know,
the essence of a paw-paw tree
grows what's already there.

So I'll try an Oak or Yellow Wood,
a Maple, Baobab,
until I know, you know, we know,
it's only thoughts that grow!

Helen / 30 March 2011


© Copyright 2011 Helen - All Rights Reserved
dreamgal
Member
since 2011-03-17
Posts 442

1 posted 2011-03-30 10:47 AM


So beautifully expressed. Loved this.

Dreamgal

Lori Grosser Rhoden
Member Patricius
since 2009-10-10
Posts 10202
Fair to middlin' of nowhere
2 posted 2011-03-30 11:02 AM


Helen this is delightful.  Love the tears and trees motif. I enjoy your style and content so much.
Lori

JerryPat2
Member Laureate
since 2011-02-06
Posts 16975
South Louisiana
3 posted 2011-03-30 03:11 PM


I have become enamored with your unique style and grace, Helen. You allow the beauty of the world and emotions to shine through your poetry, but there is a sense of angst (for want of a better word) to balance that beauty, for everything cannot be beautiful consistently.

~ OK, so what's the speed of dark? ~

jwesley
Member Rara Avis
since 2000-04-30
Posts 7563
Spring, Texas
4 posted 2011-03-30 03:16 PM


Wonderfully written, my friend - I especially enjoyed the first stanza.

j.

Honeybunch
Member Rara Avis
since 2001-12-29
Posts 7115
South Africa
5 posted 2011-03-30 11:12 PM


Thank you all so much for your kind comments - and Jerry, this world would be beautiful all the time if only the people were, myself included.  There is a part of us all that is only "light and love" but so well hidden as to not be there at all.  Maybe we're all playing out karma of lifetimes past but that seems stupid to me because in our rightful states we cannot possibly be such slow learners. And then we're all so insignificant really in the grand scheme of things so what are we actually here for?  Talk about a totally illogical system!

Helen

Richy
Member Elite
since 2003-05-03
Posts 3050

6 posted 2011-03-31 01:03 PM


Honeybunch, you are as deep as the roots of a beautiful tree... wonderful written as always.


Honeybunch
Member Rara Avis
since 2001-12-29
Posts 7115
South Africa
7 posted 2011-03-31 03:34 PM


Thank you, Richard.  Yeah - maybe I'm buried alive?  
steavenr
Member Elite
since 2003-11-17
Posts 4058

8 posted 2011-03-31 09:01 PM


I loved your presentation and your cadence with this one...well done...enjoyed
Marchmadness
Member Rara Avis
since 2007-09-16
Posts 9271
So. El Monte, California
9 posted 2011-04-02 01:39 PM


I enjoy your interseting and unique thought processes, Helen.
                              Ida

Honeybunch
Member Rara Avis
since 2001-12-29
Posts 7115
South Africa
10 posted 2011-04-02 02:02 PM


Thanks so much Steaven and Ida.  Sometimes I can't even unravel my own thought processes but it makes me happy that you enjoy them.  

Helen

Klassy Lassy
Member Elite
since 2005-06-28
Posts 2187
Oregon
11 posted 2011-04-02 11:02 PM


I have no idea what a paw-paw tree looks like, but perhaps a canopy or umbrella full of seeds.  

One poet here wrote about tears flowing into the earth, and I wonder if they they are meant to help us clear unkempt intruders in our thoughts, to make more radiant room.... and compost!     



    

ethome
Member Patricius
since 2000-05-14
Posts 11858
New Brunswick Canada
12 posted 2011-04-02 11:25 PM


You took me round and round in a reasoning circle Helen and I enjoyed the trip.

Tree yourself nice from now on out!.....smile...

Eric

Honeybunch
Member Rara Avis
since 2001-12-29
Posts 7115
South Africa
13 posted 2011-04-03 05:13 AM


Thanks, Karen - yeah, everything goes to "compost" eventually.  The earth needs lots of nourishment to sustain the likes of mankind.  Not sure if some of my thoughts would do it much good though because there are times ... enough said.  
Honeybunch
Member Rara Avis
since 2001-12-29
Posts 7115
South Africa
14 posted 2011-04-03 05:14 AM


Thank you, Eric.  Glad you enjoyed the ... reasoning.

Helen

Klassy Lassy
Member Elite
since 2005-06-28
Posts 2187
Oregon
15 posted 2011-04-03 09:25 AM


Not what I meant, Helen.  It's a very introspective poem, and when pain is present, TLC can do wonders. You are not part of the compost, now or ever. You are the gardener!  If you aren't happy with paw-paws in your pocket, we can take 'em out, and plant hollyhocks...or something else to flutter your fancy!  Maybe bachelor buttons?  Your thoughts do make a difference!  
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