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Open Poetry #27
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Magnolia Doesn't Bloom
| Open Poetry #27 |
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Magnolia Doesn't Bloom |
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Ratleader
since 2003-01-23
Posts 7026Visiting Earth on a Guest Pass 
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Magnolia Doesn’t Bloom Magnolia doesn’t bloom, and I know why. She used to, back in the day, but that was her day. Strong and sweet-leaved, her flowers draped like lascivious kerchiefs across a spring breeze, or dropped come-hither to the feet of any passing gentleman. But now nothing, and worse, her leaves a’ curl and browning, even branches almost limp as drought in spite of the dew, and I know why. So long ago they bound her with a metal band, hoping to hold her, a cable tied to bring her straight and help against the storms. But now, oh now she’s all grown up and yet her band has not. At first her bark encroached, then scabbed around it as it tightened, not by shrinking to a crushing fetter, but a worse insult, it steadfastly failed to grow. Now it holds her grimly as a ball and chain, strangles the life it once protected; and it is too late: she will die of this, and I know why. Tear it loose now and her bark is ripped, a circle round the trunk, cutting the sap and that is instant death, but leave it and it chokes her down, the metal poison leached out into her a slow and weary death as well. Save her? Yes, if she were mine I could, a simple matter, really. Take the cable off, she does have wood enough to stand alone, and then the band, a fraction at a time, pull or cut a little loose and let her heal, make scars of life where scars are needed, then a little more, until she’s free. I could do this, would do it but for this: Magnolia is not mine, and so my only right is this, to watch her day and day and year and year, until Magnolia dies. [This message has been edited by Ratleader (06-22-2003 10:38 AM).] |
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| © Copyright 2003 Ed Ratledge - All Rights Reserved | |||
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serenity blaze Member Empyrean
since 2000-02-02
Posts 27738 |
the band places Magnolia in stasis. There is something that wants to grow, but is blocked. That's when creative energy turns on itself and becomes a means of self destruct... (Pardon this interruption, Rat, I've been thinking too much again...) But yep. I know this tree. Even the blossoms become meager, smelling rank. sigh. |
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wranx Member Elite
since 2002-06-07
Posts 3689Moved from a shack to a barn |
Nice stuff, this. But magnolia leaves? They NEVER compost! |
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Krawdad Member Elite
since 2001-01-03
Posts 2597 |
Have seen it many times . . . We're a plant it and forget world. |
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Ratleader
since 2003-01-23
Posts 7026Visiting Earth on a Guest Pass |
Aye, Krawdad, that we are....and not only in things horticultural.... ~~(¸¸¸¸ºº> ~~(¸¸¸¸ºº> ~~(¸¸ ¸¸ºº> ~~~(¸¸ER¸¸ºº> |
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serenity blaze Member Empyrean
since 2000-02-02
Posts 27738 |
Smile. "You can lead a horticulture but you can't make her think." --Dorothy Parker (couldn't resist)  |
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Aenimal Member Rara Avis
since 2002-11-18
Posts 7350the ass-end of space |
I can see the destiny you sold, turn into a shining band of gold..~ The Police sorry those lines just came to mind..excellent write Ed one of my favourites [This message has been edited by Aenimal (06-22-2003 02:15 AM).] |
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passing shadows Member Empyrean
since 1999-08-26
Posts 45577displaced |
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Janet Marie Member Laureate
since 2000-01-22
Posts 18554 |
Strong and sweet-leaved, her flowers draped like lascivious kerchiefs across a spring breeze, or dropped come-hither to the feet of any passing gentleman. ================================ that is one of the coolest, original, creative and beautiful personifications!!! This poem breaks me tree hugging heart.. I was just at our local botanical gardens and they have Mags that are nearly 200 years old...I burned a whole roll of film on them..the are such gracful lovely trees. excellent write poet sir. No matter what the differences |
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Seymour Tabin Member Empyrean
since 1999-07-07
Posts 31720Tamarac Fla |
Ratleader Excellent write, it is true cut the cambium bark full circle and she will die. |
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Patricia Member Elite
since 2003-04-06
Posts 2160Missouri |
I could do this, would do it but for this: Magnolia is not mine, and so my only right is this, to watch her day and day and year and year, until Magnolia dies. And so, you are both helpless to save her from this slow, inevitable death. No chance for intervention from one who can still save her? Very touching piece, Ratleader. Patricia |
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OwlPoet Junior Member
since 2003-06-18
Posts 17Fullerton, California, Urantia |
Good imagery Ed. Yet this picture tells a story beyond this tree. In the sewer business, we call all Magnolias "problem trees" that don't belong on parkways. Their leaves will compost though. If you crush them. Even if you dont, decay will set in eventually. Will Will Patrick |
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inkedgoddess Member Rara Avis
since 2002-11-19
Posts 7392Ohio |
like lascivious kerchiefs across a spring breeze, or dropped come-hither to the feet of any passing gentleman. so much stacks the plate in this piece...cant decide which to devour first but poor magnolia, needs to break the chains if only for a couple of furloughed hours |
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Sunshine
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-25
Posts 63354Listening to every heart |
What a southern feel to this, what a gentle man to write such. I've not read the other comments [yet] because I want my thoughts to be fresh of the poem, and let you know that you have deftly described more than you know.... Thank you. |
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suthern
since 1999-07-29
Posts 20723Louisiana |
As a horticulturist (and watch it, sen... LSU says I am one... thinking optional *G*) I mourn the potential for beauty that won't be fulfilled. As a human being, I ache for the healing that could come... if only. And as a poetry loving person, I give homage to this write of beauty and compassion. |
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Martie
Moderator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-09-21
Posts 28049California |
Ed...The heart of the man who can see the way to save this living thing...even think of it in these terms...is observent and compassionate. The poet and the poem are remarkable.  |
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gemjop Member Elite
since 2002-11-18
Posts 2587Pencilveinia, USA |
I could do this, would do it but for this: Magnolia is not mine, and so my only right is this, to watch her day and day and year and year, until Magnolia dies. wow. Ed, back to the top, where this belongs. wincing at the fact that i nearly missed this one. phew. i didnt. |
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Artic Wind Member Rara Avis
since 2007-09-16
Posts 8080Realm of Supernatural |
Got to love those Magnolias, They put up a good look!  ARCTIC WIND |
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