Leaves of Poetry is a collection of tree poems from poets around the world. Tracy Patrick, editor of the Scotland-based poetry magazine, Earth Love, and Stacy Savage (formerly Smith), editor of several nature anthologies, united their efforts and put together a chapbook that displays an appreciation for trees, and at the same time, benefits a tree organization. All royalties from Leaves of Poetry go directly to Ancient Forest International in Redway, California.
Excerpt
Green
by Loretta Diane Walker (Texas)
When I was younger, I knew trees—
not their names,
but the veins of green leaves,
configurations of branches,
vulnerability of tender twigs.
I climbed them even though girls
were not encouraged to do such boyish things.
In summer, when green was plump,
filled with heft of budding life on maples,
oaks, pecans, I watched boys
share secrets in a cocoon of leaves.
I wanted to share my secrets, too,
but was not allowed into their sanctuary.
I am older now,
but on this October morning,
having breakfast at a restaurant,
I stare at an unknown tree outside,
its half-naked limbs posed like bare muscles,
and remember the light and air
in my ten-year-old fingers.
The green, like a chameleon,
now turning orange, crimson
a sleepy amber, fused in receding leaves.
In winter, those leaves will wither,
and be no more.
This poem is a record of their existence,
before they are no longer like the Garden of Eden.
No longer like the Brontosaurs.
No longer like Sparta.
Perhaps "..Quiet Storm" will help rekindle old flames buried and long forgotten or express the love so deeply locked inside of your soul longing to be released.
Regardless of where you may be found in love this beautiful masterpiece can be
