It’s Poetry Friday!
Margaret at Reflections on the Teche
is gifting us with an array of poetry links.
Join us!
“There’s a community already existing underground
that’s growing us into being.”
Mark Nepo
As my youngest son’s wedding day approaches, I’m thinking about mystery. How any two people come together and discover the possibilities of a forever-life. All that has shaped them, all that has brought them to this moment. Chance. Choice. And the hidden community that has grown them into being.
I have always loved Quaking Aspen trees. Certainly, the display they put on in fall here in the Sierras. I delight in their wind-chatter. I am in awe of their resilience. I giggle at the royal treatment we receive when we arrive in mid-winter, Aspens prostrate as we climb the steep drive to our home. Having learned of their rooted connections, having watched their multiplication in our grove, I cannot help but see nature at work in our family too.
The good people who organize Write Out: National Writing Project announced their 2024 theme: Poetry for the Planet. In preparation, they offered a summer prompt, inspired by Ada Limon’s reading Mary Oliver’s “Can You Imagine?” You can listen to it here. The prompt was to write about a tree in your yard, neighborhood, or nearby park.
Ode to My Neighbor
Your family has grown all these years past, your babies having babies –our hearts
still catch, recalling the year we lost your grandfather in the big snow.
I’ll remember you when winter’s blanket unfolds, vacant though knowing
you gather in a warmer world, churning stories of spring into hope –yours, ours.
I’ll remember each first bud, branches pimpled with promise, the picture
of resilience –believing each coming season will be better than the last.
I’ll remember how you scatter kindness across the field, waving in wildflowers
who troop through, how welcoming of you.
I’ll remember when quiet falls upon us, a knowing nod to fewer squirrels ignoring
your glow-gold slow farewell, never a forever goodbye.
Can you imagine what it will be like when someone else lives here? Will your
castanets clack in background to their musings? Will they wink at your giggling?
Will you remember me?
photos and poem
©draft, Patricia J. Franz
Patricia Franz writes picture books and poetry. She believes children, dogs, and sourdough have a lot to teach us about life, joy, and wonder. She has raised two boys, four dogs, and holds a master’s degree in Theology with a focus on children’s spirituality. Patricia, her husband, her Bernese Mountain dog, Bonny, and her sourdough starter split their time between the Arizona desert and the Sierra Nevada mountains. 
This is lovely, Patricia. That plaintive question at the end is such a spectacular finish to your closely observed poem.
I love trees and poems about them, and this was especially beautiful, Patricia. Favorite line (if I had to pick): “your glow-gold slow farewell, never a forever goodbye.” And that question at the end – perfect.
I got this same prompt in my inbox and have tucked it into my notebook. I love what you’ve done here with the repeated I remember and “Can you imagine” becomes the question we all wonder, will we be remembered. Will our stay here matter? Some deep thinking and wonderful poems are inspired by trees.
Beautiful, Patricia! Thank you for sharing. I love the tree prompt. Aspens are especially lovely. Here we marvel at the birch and white pine – I’ll have to take a look at your resources. I love the thought of the tree remembering you and you wondering how the tree will respond when someone else lives there.
The is such a wonderful ode. I so love trees. That last night sings to me.
How many times am I going to write this? This is number 3 because it keeps saying that my message is Unacceptable and I haven’t saved a copy. Oops. This time I’m going to save it before I submit. 🙂
Anyway, as I was trying to say, it was fun we both wrote about trees and the Write Out prompt today. I’m going to work on a “Can You Imagine…” poem based on the prompt. I enjoyed reading yours and the intricate connections between family ties and tree families. This question is so interesting: “Will your
castanets clack in background to their musings?”
Have a blessed wedding with for your son and new daughter-in-love! I’m sure it will be great.
How fun to have another tree poem after Denise’s!
Beautiful and sensitive ode to this friend, this tree, perhaps it will feel some of it, thanks Patricia!