Trees of Concrete and Steel
I peer from beneath eaves of green
From the brink of your human world
As an intelligence visible yet unseen
I watched you as your follies unfurled
To you I am some legendary being
A myth as your understanding fails
For you wander this earth unseeing
As your fate all of creation bewails
Mere children in the fabric of time
Perceiving not your lack of stature
Or of committing the cosmic crime
Assuming God’s power over nature
Centuries my kind have watched you
For in your blindness you cannot see
Unaware of that which is held true
That all living things should live free
The watcher am I, I have no name
Great sadness for your savagery I feel
I cannot save you from losing the game
From your trees of concrete and steel
John Henson was born in the small mining town of Bolsover in Derbyshire, England and educated at Welbeck Road School for Boys and Bournemouth University. He is a graphic designer, illustrator and sculptor. He writes poetry and prose. Four books of his poetry are in publication, and a book of his pencil illustrations is forthcoming.
I would never survive a city of tall building with all the concrete and steel. Really interesting perspective John, well done!
ReplyDeleteRhoda Galgiani
Hi John, you described so well one of my greatest fears. Too much of our nature's beauty has been assaulted by man's construction. Nature rebels now and then, but I think we can expect more natural disaster for the devastation we have imposed on our planet. "Or of committing the cosmic crime Assuming God’s power over nature" sums it up so well! Awesome work. Best wishes, Carolyn Devonshire
ReplyDeleteGreat analogy, your "Trees of Concrete and Steel" and personification by giving buildings voice. Thank you for sharing. Charlene
ReplyDeleteDear John,
ReplyDeleteA very well written poem with a well stated message. Enjoyed your poem this morning.
Sandra
John,
ReplyDeleteThis is a great poem in form and in content I look forward to reading more of your work, should you decide to share. Welcome to Whispers!
Sincerely,
David Fox
John -
ReplyDeleteI was so drawn in by your first stanza and reading further not disappointed. I find such a deep spirit in your words.
Kathy
I love your poem, John...concern for the future seems to be growing, thanks to conscientious teachers and parents teaching future generations...if only we would keep in mind that we could not exist without nature...concrete plays no role in creating that necessary balance we need. Awesome poem! Thank you for sharing!
ReplyDelete