I Am The Tree
Erect I stand, strong of will.
Defying the wind, and all nature can swill.
I cast my eyes to take in the scene,
While all around is washed white and serene.
The strength of my roots and courage in my stance,
Will serve me well in life’s new dance.
© Donna Donabella 2014
__________________________________________________________
I am participating in The Personal Photo Challenge hosted by Donna@Cottage Days and Journeys. This month’s challenge is called Trees. I wrote this poem on the first day of my retirement, March 3rd 2014, after over 30 years in public education. It is a testament to my perseverance and what awaits me now in my new life beginning again. I hope you enjoy the poem.
I am also joining in with Poets United for their weekly poetry link up for poets who blog. Visit them to read some more wonderful verse.
And I am linking in with Judith@Lavender Cottage who is hosting Mosaic Monday.
********
Special Note: These trees are from my garden and surrounding my garden. The views I see every fall when trees are at their finest.
All photos were taken on auto mode and processed in iPhoto (so nothing fancy). The collage was made in Fotor.com. The last image was taken in black and white on a foggy autumn morning and processed in PicMonkey.com to add the text and frame.
__________________________________________________________
I leave you with a bit of a sentiment about trees and planting dreams. Feel free to download the photo and share.
All original content is copyrighted and the sole property of Donna Donabella @ Living From Happiness, 2014. Any reprints or use of content or photos is by permission only.
We can learn much from nature, like the trees ~ I like the strength of the roots and courage in the stance ~
I agree Grace and that line was very meaningful to me when i wrote it so I am glad it spoke to you too!
Nature especially the trees they just give and give.
That’s why I identify with them so much Vandana!
Beautiful poem and beautiful photos! Thank you for joining in the photo challenge this month. You have some grand specimen trees in your yard. I am particularly fond of the first photo that also includes the moon sliver. All of these are lovely compositions.
The moon shot was captured as I was working in the garden this fall. I love to look around from ground to sky and it paid off with this view. So glad you enjoyed the post Donna. I hope to keep participating in the Challenge…it is a lot of fun!
A tree definitely symbolizes strength and courage. It stands strong year after year!
A perfect totem for just those reasons Mary!!
Beautiful trees and a great poem. Thank you for sharing.
Have a good new week.
I am so pleased you enjoyed your visit with my trees….hoping your week is wonderful!!
Trees.. I live surrounded by trees.. and they are becoming a part of my life.. some end up warming us on winter nights.. other bless us with their greenery…
Oh Bjorn I love these thoughts….trees indeed give us so much of themselves from beginning to their end.
Trees…the silent sentinels & epitome of forbearance radiating life force…a fitting ode…
A beautiful thought of a silent sentinel…my trees mean that and more to me. Thank you for these lovely thoughts Sumana!
Beautiful words and photos! The strength and beauty of trees is always most inspiring.
Thanks Gabriella…inspiring indeed!
Great poem. A wonderful way to think of trees.
Thanks. Glad you enjoyed the poem.
Love the poem. And trees. They anchor my heart, often and often.
Thanks Soosie….it means so much to hear it anchors your heart!
Sometimes when i do Qigong, I envision my feet as roots going down into the earth, deeper…deeper, until they touch the center. It gives me stability enough to live in the world. Also, sometimes I “see” a tree’s roots as clearly as the branches above the ground and I know that was is visible is only half or less of what is invisible in our world.
A wonderful perception Susie. I also use the tree roots coming from my feet to help anchor me…extending my arms and feeling them as branches helps me breath in the air but still stay focused…amazing isn’t it what trees can give us spiritually!
Yes, sink those rots deeply and drink in all of the sustenance that the gift of time brings in retirement. I am writing more now than ever in my life before, when work took up so much energy and time.
It is so freeing having time now to do what we love Sherry.
I love the trees. They have much to teach.
I couldn’t agree more Snap!
What a lovely post! Enjoy your Sunday afternoon! Hugs!
Thanks so much! I will pass your hug onto my trees too! 🙂
A very beautiful poem about very important plants.
Thank you for sharing!
I am humbled Sara…thank you!
Lovely autumn trees to accompany your text.
Miriam liked her card but only time to look at it and shove it in her purse. I hope she remembers it’s there.
Thank you for linking to Mosaic Monday.
So glad she loved the card Judith…her email was lovely and your idea perfection!! Thanks again for suggesting it.
Your note about reirement changed my feelings about the poem from a flip defiance to the sense of brave new world.
I love the idea of flip defiance too Susan!!
Donna, what a lovely poem to go along with your beautiful tree photos! I hope you have a great week!
Thanks so much Debby!!
I love your lilting poetry, Donna:)
Big blessing to your roots, your branches,
and all of your season:)
-Jennifer
That means so much Jennifer…from you who speaks in beautiful prose!!
Lindas fotos! Parabéns!
Um abraço!
Thank you – Obrigado!
I love your blogs and inspiration. Amazing photography!
Oh Sofia how lovely of you to say so…I hope you will stop by often!
Serene!
Trees are amazing plants that once gazing on them you can immediately breath in the calmness with them
Beautiful poetry and accompanying images! I also feel like that tree.
Charlene that is wonderful!!
I really liked this poem, Donna, one of my favorite’s of your work.
Oh Donna that means so much!! Thank you.
It is a lovely poem. I find trees inspirational.
Thank you Cherie…trees are so amazing!!
The tree out my bedroom window kept me company during the months of treatment and rehab following my spinal cord lesion…. It was the hope that things would change
Oh Michelle what an incredible image and thought…I feel inspiration in that experience….thanks for sharing!
The trees look beautiful in their autumn colors!
Carolyn
Thanks Carolyn..amazing what beauty they give us.
Love ‘the strength in the roots’ and readiness for ‘new dance’ ~ x
Thanks so much for your wonderful words….glad you liked the poem!