I am strong, I've had to be
living in a stormy climate wasn't
the choice I would have made
I would have chosen a tranquil life
safely sheltered from hurricanes
not having to stand upright, immovable
against the winds of a constant gale
like a stalwart oak, I've been leaned on,
nested in, crapped on, by the birds of life
I've been an oak, towering above adversity
and I've been a willow bending low, unbroken
under forces that conspired to fracture me
faith untested is worthless rhetoric
in the midst of catastrophe mine has survived
weak at times, even dormant but still alive
I've had regrets but I've had victories
and the victories have infused my soul
with the knowledge that I will persevere
and as with all storms, this too shall pass
An endearing analogy for the power of faith. Safe harbor lives will never savor the rewards of the spirit that only standing, bending and enduring life's storms can bring. You've given us a message of faith and inspiration in a beautiful poem Belle. May love and peace be always with you. Jon Michael
I love the use of Oak as outright strength and then the Willow, with those low branches almost touching the ground but yet they bend and remain throughout the storm of life.
Sometimes we have to bend a little or something does break.
Great poem.
Dan
PS I had 11 ft of water under my house with Hurricane Ivan in 2004 and then 5 feet in 2005 with Katrina, I am still here but my one tree didn't make it.
Reviewed by D. Vegas (Reader)
Reviewed on February 8, 2016
Comparing your life by using "Oaks and Willows,". Penned well as always, Belle!
The metaphors of strength and resilience are remarkably well expressed. So many have endured the "slings and arrows" of life and come through like this… Stronger and even more resilient. Great poetry at its best.
The storms tell us something about who we are, especially after we have weathered them. I like your evocation of the kinds of trees. Yes, I have written along these lines as well, seeing much of the tree in me, or at least wishing it was there. For once, I think the lack of punctuation works here, there is a fury of emotion that belies the niceties of periods and commas. Nicely done, La Belle Rouge.
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Sometimes we have to bend a little or something does break.
Great poem.
Dan
PS I had 11 ft of water under my house with Hurricane Ivan in 2004 and then 5 feet in 2005 with Katrina, I am still here but my one tree didn't make it.
Always,
Deborah
Love ya!
Jane
Ron
John