Monday, June 9, 2014

The Oak Tree--By Yvonne Sparkes--England

The Oak Tree

His skin is rough, knobbly and hard,
Covered in notches, limbs grow akimbo,
No lovely face to charm the bard,
Yet a poem grows, though seems born in limbo.

His beauty is strength, a long mighty stand,
To outlive all mortals, he’s weathered it all,
Guarding, and gracing, this beautiful land,
Looking majestic, stout trunk, and so tall.

Tempests may blow but he’s firmly dug in,
With roots like biceps, such strength on display,
Magnificent, noble, he seems always to win,
Though others may fall and have feet of clay.

Impoverished we’d be without his persona,
As we gaze on strong limbs, and a green leafy face,
But though we may look with a mystical wonder,
Our own life is fleeting to greet time and space.

Born on Feb. 27, 1940 in Barkingside, Essex, England, Yvonne Sparkes,  immigrated to New York in April, 1948 with her parents.  She now resides in Chelmsford, Essex and has two sons.  She has a book published by Cyberwit called Captured Images.  A writer for many years, Yvonne has been published in Israel, Germany, France, Australia, America, and Britain.  She has read her poetry in public at Church and Knockout Competitions. Her hobbies are travel, the arts, reading, hiking, taking her Scottish Terrier for walks, and spending time with family and friends.

9 comments:

  1. Yvonne, I am like you, intrigued by the trees, all of them, for all they have endured by the vanity of mankind and still they survive and flourish and grow and grow. If they could talk! I believe they do have a soul and I believe they do KNOW! Your poem is so beautiful and such a pleasure to read here on Whispers! Sheri / www.poetryandbeyond.net

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    Replies
    1. Hi Sheri,
      I agree with what you say, we have grand Oaks near us 500 yrs old,
      Imagine the history they lived through? I find them wonderful parts
      Of God's Creation too.
      Thankyou for taking the time to leave a message.
      I understand you won Poet of the Month? Well done Sheri, you write
      Beautifully.
      Regards,
      Yvonne

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  2. Hi Yvonne. Thank you for sharing "The Oak Tree." Nice details and imagery. Continued blessings!

    -Maurice J. Reynolds, Owner / Editor
    TGBTG! Publications / Creative Inspirations
    www.tgbtgpublictions.com

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    Replies
    1. Hi Maurice,
      Glad you liked it and thanks for taking the time to leave a comment.
      Regards,
      Yvonne

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  3. Hello Yvonne,
    Physical beauty IS fleeting (as you say) but our roots, the framework crafted through role models and faith, are what keep us grounded. In youth some are obsessed with appearances; as we get older, we realize that the heart and soul are far more important. I've found a different type of beauty beneath the gnarly faces. An excellent write, Yvonne!

    Best wishes,
    Carolyn

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    Replies
    1. Hi Caroline,
      Thankyou so much for leaving such a kind critique.
      Of course I agree with you about our obsession with appearances
      And how true beauty lies beneath. We are also so quickly hone
      And pass through this earth in a flash where other things like
      Trees last hundreds of years. We have Oaks near us 500 ys old,
      What history they have witnessed?
      Thanks again,
      Regards,
      Yvonne

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  4. Yvonne, I loved the imagery and the symbolism for myself. I pray always to be a "mighty oak" with roots running deep into the waters of life found in the word of the Lord and to be able to weather all the storms of life. Thank you for sharing your talent and increasing my faith as I ponder on the strength of the "mighty oak".
    Love, Charlene .

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  5. Dear Charlene,
    My faith sustains me too and thankyou for the lovely comment.
    Nature has lots to teach us about tenacity.
    I find great spiritual moments while being with nature.
    Love and Bless You,
    Yvonne

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  6. Beautiful! I, too, have my strongest affinity for trees. I look at the towering apartment buildings around me and cannot comprehend living so high I can not feel close to the trees. I am at my most creative and most peaceful under the trees. This poem delighted me.

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