What lies beneath?

by Mr. Darcy   May 6, 2016


The tree was old,
gnarled, and twisted
with a will
all of its own.

And...
If it were a body,
the branches would
be, charred blackened
bones...

The roots curled
and grew
way up,
up way out of the ground,
Seemingly...

Deliberately,
willing all the
ramblers
down.

But...

The old, old Oak
was misunderstood
for there was a fire years ago,
and in its branches was a boy,
Trapped...

Whilst a fire
raged below...

The Oak knew only far too well
If it succumbed the boy would die,
so whilst the flames consumed its trunk,
its determination never sighed.

The flames burned deep,
the boy did cry
and the villagers came
at last.
They dowsed the heat
and saved the boy,
but that was in the past...

- - - - - - - - - - - -

The tree was old,
gnarled, and twisted
with a will
all of its own.

And...

If it were a body,
the branches would
be...

charred...

blackened...

bones...

michael
2016

15


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Latest Comments

  • 8 years ago

    by Golden AnGel Rhapsodist

    Hello Sir Michael,

    I like the way you describe the old Oak and the tale unfold with it...I can imagine it clearly...Elegantly written...

    5/5

    Gel

  • 8 years ago

    by Dancing Rivers

    Oh wow wow wow wow what a beautiful tale!! This really touched something deep inside, and so beautifully written!! Definitely nominated!!!

  • 8 years ago

    by Grant Gilbert AKA Slash

    What a beautiful story of love, strength and selflessness.
    This could also be taken as an adult that has at last let go with a great struggle the haunting memories of a troubled or miss spent youth and the damaged body is the result of ultimately coming to terms with his youth. Well at least it relates like that to me.
    Awesome write.

  • 8 years ago

    by Belle

    "The Oak knew only far too well
    If it succumbed the boy would die,
    so whilst the flames consumed its trunk,
    its determination never sighed."

    I feel like I can relate to this tree, which is wonderful for me. For I have never been a tree before. But, I know what it is like to not succumb to the death you want or deserve. What it is like to hold on when all seems lost. Simply because you have someone or something that needs you to live on, for them, or it.

  • 8 years ago

    by Mortal Utopia

    I love the imagery and also the rhythm which seems so vivid in this poem! Everything seems to be placed just right for the story to come to life.