The 2nd poem

Today we share the 2nd winning poem.

 

2 "A Life of Roots and Leaves", by Bob Stephens (USA)

 

The leaves shivered in the wind when I first touched you

I was not electrified, but awestruck

The power of you almost overwhelming me

The spread of you makes my eyes rove

Unable to settle, a butterfly flitting among Lantana

I cannot see half of your body

Roots deep and broad

 

Broader than your life above

A dual Life as one

A thirsty world thriving in the elemental earth

A colorful world thriving in the elemental air

A yin and yang

Two worlds living together in a wider world

 

I can only try

To appreciate all of you

I can sense you with every pore

I can feel you in your shade

You have history as only a tree can experience

If only I could hear you sing

Not the whispers of the wind

 

But your low rumble

Of roots old and new burrowing

The shining tinkling sigh

Of leaves breathing

Sap flowing with a silent thrum

The life blood of you

If you could

Tell me of

The great winds of your aged Life

The lighting just missing

The terror of fires approaching

 

Tell me of

The bright rainbows you have seen

The families of you have sheltered

The shooting stars that streaked

Beneath the sky

And above your crown

I am just an instant in your long Life

Sing of the dreams you could not share.

 

Please note that only in June we will be able to disclose the complete list of winning works of the Literary Contest Nature.

 

Enjoy.