This dead Tilia tree
once thrived and danced in the breeze
now she weeps in eternal sleep
The blackened branches
hang in dismay
looking down at the other branches that have broken off
remembering a time of being quenched with fresh rains
and surrounded by abundant leafs
But now it's time to surrender
the northern winds
bring sleet and snow
slowly dismantling this fractured throne
My favourite part of this poem (other than the feelings it conjures up) is that it leaves me wondering how this tree died. Admittedly, I had to look up what a Tilia was and noticed that the tree (also known as a Linden) is quite steeped in history and mythology.
Anyway, I imagine the tree has suffered at the flames of fire. I imagine that it stands charred amongst other trees and vegetation that have realized a similar fate.
The only positive note I can offer is that, quite often, new and even more lush growth springs from under the ashes of a great fire. A purging (of a forest, of the soul) can bring about miraculous things.
I couldn't apply the optimism to the piece, but so goes the beauty of interpretation. I especially like the second stanza because you humanize the branches of the tree which humanizes the entire tree. This humanization, to me, is what really made this piece. The imagery is spectacular, but humanizing the Tilia made it easy for the reader to relate to that imagery.
Great stuff Calypsu.
__________________ rip Chad McDaniel (USAC)
rip Scott Kalitta (NHRA)
rip Henry Surtees (F2)
rip Neal Parker (NHRA)
I couldn't apply the optimism to the piece, but so goes the beauty of interpretation.
Interpretation and circumstances. I certainly think that, if the reader isn't alienated from the piece, circumstances shape what a poem "says" to them.
My favourite part of this poem (other than the feelings it conjures up) is that it leaves me wondering how this tree died. Admittedly, I had to look up what a Tilia was and noticed that the tree (also known as a Linden) is quite steeped in history and mythology.
Anyway, I imagine the tree has suffered at the flames of fire. I imagine that it stands charred amongst other trees and vegetation that have realized a similar fate.
The only positive note I can offer is that, quite often, new and even more lush growth springs from under the ashes of a great fire. A purging (of a forest, of the soul) can bring about miraculous things.
Thank you for your input, I appreciate it Moloch. Upon writing Tilia, I did not even consider that the reader would be wondering how it died, you have an interesting take on it.
I couldn't apply the optimism to the piece, but so goes the beauty of interpretation. I especially like the second stanza because you humanize the branches of the tree which humanizes the entire tree. This humanization, to me, is what really made this piece. The imagery is spectacular, but humanizing the Tilia made it easy for the reader to relate to that imagery.
Great stuff Calypsu.
Thank you very much, I appreciate your critique biff0016.
This dead Tilia tree
once thrived and danced in the breeze
now she weeps in eternal sleep
The blackened branches
hang in dismay
looking down at the other branches that have broken off
remembering a time of being quenched with fresh rains
and surrounded by abundant leafs
But now it's time to surrender
the northern winds
bring sleet and snow
slowly dismantling this fractured throne
Very moving.
__________________
I don't know where the sunbeams end
And the starlights begin
It's all a mystery
