(at the heart)
may every
tree spread its roots interlocking
together to create a vast
community
bird-adorned canopy
meeting in
the intersected threads
cast by branches and
leaves maple ginko
oak beech linden willow pine
walk with the wind as they sail
ancient stories of beginning
stillness echoed back
The NaPoWriMo prompt for Day 5 was to find a poem, and then write a new poem that has the shape of the original, and in which every line starts with the first letter of the corresponding line in the original poem. I chose Lucille Clifton’s “blessing the boats”
I was also inspired by an article in the NY Times yesterday about the wonders of the oak tree.
The paintings were inspired by the tree paintings of Joan Mitchell.
K. 
Beautiful
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Thanks!
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I read a post recently about trees being storytellers for the earth and I believe that’s an apt descriptor for them. Now off to read the article on the oaks 🙂
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Really good article.
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Yes, it made me remember the oak trees of my childhood homes. I hope they are still there.
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I know what you mean.
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They seem to me like the guarduans of the earth. Theres a reason most cultural traditions have a tree of life.
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I love this–poem, art, trees. We have a big, old oak tree in our yard. It’s one reason why I wanted to buy this house so many years ago.
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I remember the acorns pattering on the roof when I was a child. I hope there are oaks on my new street.
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I hope so, too. Are you moving out of the city?
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No just 15 blocks downtown. Until last year every move I made was further uptown–I thought the Bronx would be next! But in the last year, I’ve moved further back down each move. I haven’t lived in this neighborhood before, but it’s near the Museum of Natural History, which will be a plus when things are back to normal.
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Oh, that sounds nice. Good luck!
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Thanks!
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Love your tree full of crows, exploding with life! What stories they must exchange with the oak trees.
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Full of magic I’m sure. We need to learn their language again.
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You’re right. I bet early Man understood bird language.
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I’m sure they could communicate with everything.
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As much as was necessary. Other animals have a common language.
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I have been strongly wanting to plant an oak since that article! Joni would find these paintings, and the words, marvelous.
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I’ve been missing the oaks of my childhood.
Joan Mitchell is an American painter, as amazing in her own way as Joni. She was an abstract expressionist, strongly influenced by Van Gogh, though she often also reminds me of Monet. Google her. One of my favorites (as is Joni)
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Ohh she IS amazing – thanks for correcting my vision and the gaps in my art education! ♡
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You’re welcome!
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I love the idea of a ‘vast community’ of trees. I wish we could grow and nurture this community all over the earth!
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I think a lot of people are trying Ingrid. I just hope it isn’t too late.
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Me to!
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*too
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