Maybe it's because of the intense heat at this time of year,
but I find my eyes often drawn to the trees.
Their leaves are rich with green in full array,
and shade stretching from them welcomes a cooler place.
"I think that I shall never see
A poem as lovely as a tree.
"A tree whose hungry mouth is prest
Against the sweet earth's flowing breast;
"A tree that looks at God all day,
And lifts her leafy arms to pray;
"A tree that may in summer wear
A nest of robins in her hair;
"Upon whose bosom snow has lain;
Who intimately lives with rain.
"Poems are made by fools like me,
But only God can make a tree."
Joyce Kilmer, 1886-1918
Joyce Kilmer, 1886-1918
Turning from the horrible events of recent weeks,
I gaze upon a shady tree,
and find some rest for a weary mind.
I gaze upon a shady tree,
and find some rest for a weary mind.
Hi!I've never read and heard this poem before. What a nice one!Thank You!
ReplyDeletePodso,
ReplyDeleteI, too, gaze upon the trees, dear friend!
For different reasons, or maybe they're the same.
I watch for signs of life in early Spring!
I look for "signs of distress" in Summer's heat!
I ooh and ah at vibrant hues in Autumn!
I shriek with giddy glee at snow ladder branches in Winter!
I, too, see branches as arms uplifted in Praise and Adoration!
You and I are alike in many wonderful ways!
Fondly,
Pat
I've been a tree hugger for as long as I can remember for their benefit to birds and wildlife, not to mention the beauty and joy we love them for as you've described. A single tree can remove approximately one ton of carbon dioxide per year to help purify the air.
ReplyDeleteLooking around us and seeing the beauty in nature is very calming. It's been a sad sad day and even though it was hot, I drove over to Shalom Park and walked around some. There were quite a few people there...I was surprised. Have a good evening sweet friend. Hugs, Diane
ReplyDeleteI was in the yard today and enjoyed the peace out there. I like that poem.
ReplyDelete"Trees" is such a lovely poem. Trees do speak of their Creator, don't they? I love your collection of tree photos, and your calming words and thoughts.
ReplyDeleteGreen is such a calming color...hope that the heat abates and that you have some gentle rain as needed.
ReplyDeleteHow sweet to read, Dot! Beautiful pictures. I was recently driving and noticed the trees that canopy our pretty city streets. Just love that!
ReplyDeleteJane
I love that poem and your "illustrations".
ReplyDeleteBest,
Bonnie
Thanks for reminding me of this wonderful poem! I, too, love trees--the shelter they provide alone makes them worthy to be held in a special heart place. I especially like your first photo with the church peeking through the leaves of the tree.
ReplyDeleteWonderful pictures to accompany beautiful words!
ReplyDeleteOH HOW I LOVE THAT POEM! It popped immediately into my mind when I read your post title. My middle son recited this when he was 6 years old at his school speech day and took first place and then went onto district and took first place there too. I can still see if little body standing there leaning into the mike and saying it as sweet as can be...he's almost 40 now so a long, long time ago, lol LOVED the pictures. Have a good day!
ReplyDeleteI remember this poem from the 5th grade. I only remembered "I think that I have never seen, a poem as lovely as a tree."
ReplyDeleteLovely photos!
This is a beautiful post, Dotsie. Yes, our current events around the world make the mind and heart weary, for sure.
ReplyDeleteI love to look at trees, too, throughout all the seasons of the year. I love the bright green, soft-looking young leaves of spring, the shady canopies of summer, the brilliant shades of autumn, and the bare, lacy branches of winter and the interesting shadows they throw upon the ground. They are really things of beauty.
Thanks for sharing Joyce Kilmer's poem; I haven't thought of it in ages. I hope you have a good weekend and are able to stay cool!
Hugs,
Denise