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Joyce Johnson

Member Rara Avis

since 2001-03-10

Posts 9912
Washington State

0 posted 2001-03-19 11:39 PM

Long ago another planted you,
My cherished Ginkgo tree.
She tamped you in so carefully
And bequeathed you unto me.
Did she then live to see you grow
So stately and so tall?
To see your charming bright green dress
Turn golden in the fall?
You're clothed in pretty fan shaped leaves,
A tree beyond compare.
How many robin families,
Have nested in you, Maidenhair?
Although other trees have broken,
'Neath the northwind's violent gale;
You, Ginkgo, pay no heed at all
To winter's abusive rail.
Your forebears came from China,
Where they were long revered.
Studying under their branches,
The old sage with his beard.
Your kind was here as early
As the first ferns and their spores.
No tree has longer history;
Your fathers knew dinosaurs.
Strange that Old Mother Nature,
Decided you should survive so long;
While we humans sometimes die before
The last verse of our song.
The answer to long life and health
Is in the leaves of the Maidenhair tree.
If you let me pluck a few of yours,
I'll brew up my cup of tea.
If only the one who planted you,
Had known of your power;
She could have drunk of Ginkgo tea
And been here for happy hour.

Joyce July, 2000

Balladeer

Administrator

Member Empyrean

since 1999-06-05

Posts 25505
Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA

1 posted 2001-03-19 11:56 PM

Ah, yes, if trees could talk, what tales they could tell! Philosophically, this poem could relate to many things we plant but are not around to see our actions reach fruition. It is very well written. Thank you...

Lost Dreamer
Member Elite

since 1999-06-20

Posts 2464
Somewhere near the Rainbow

2 posted 2001-03-20 04:21 PM

I enjoyed your poem very much, I don't think I have ever seen a Maidenhair tree, but from the way you make it sound, I can tell they are beautiful.

Joyce Johnson

Member Rara Avis

since 2001-03-10

Posts 9912
Washington State

3 posted 2001-03-20 05:00 PM

A maidenhair or gingko is the oldest tree known. I am so glad someone years ago planted one that I can now claim as my own. I hope to pass it on to several generations. They have a long life. Thanks for reading. Joyce

Mysteria

Member Laureate

since 2001-03-07

Posts 18328
British Columbia, Canada

4 posted 2001-03-20 05:44 PM

You described your tree beautifully. Actually several of those trees survived Hiroshima and so you will be able to pass on down for sure. For over 5,000 the Chinese have used this as an herbal treatment for vaious things, and it is huge here right now for demensia, memory loss, and general cognitivive treatments. It would be interesting to make your own herbs. Opps sorry got carried away...what I meant to say was you described it fantastically, great poem.

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