The Heart of a Tree

[katthepoetess]

Walking along this morning,
my eyes were drawn to a lone tree
standing in the distance
in the corner of an abandoned field.
Like the field, it too gave the impression
of being abandoned.
I was captivated by this wondrous site.
Like a woman whose coverings lie
around her feet as she stands
naked before her lover,
the tree was also naked,
and stunning in its form.
Like our own nakedness,
which is deemed lovely
when captured with paint
and brush, I was in awe
at this piece of art
here in such a desolate place.
Part of me yearned to go to it.
Another part of me wondered,
like us when we are caught uncovered,
would it be embarassed if it knew
it was exposed?
Or does it know already?
Does it cry out deep inside of itself,
does it weep for its losses?
How can we ever know?
Who can know the heart of a tree?

[jessiecat]

What wonderfully reflective writing! There are some very poignant ideas running deep in this natural picture you have painted.

As I read this, I thought of a very large tree I saw today, standing in the middle of a corn field. It did seem lonely, but it also seemed free. For even when exposed, leaves shaken off, the heart of something is still such a mystery, and there is freedom in that, I think. We can't know the heart of a tree, it's roots run so deep. Perhaps the abandoned field was a place to feel free, not exposed. I enjoy the way you express the beauty and art that is in nudity, but the way it becomes vulnerable nakedness when approached.

The end, where you worried if it would be embarrassed, seemed almost like it's embarrassment would make it shrink away, and cause it to stop being so stunning. Like it's purity in it's natural setting should be uninterrupted.

[katthepoetess]

Thank you, wonderful observations! :)

[songofmeadow]

A lovely and empathic understanding and observation, I like the to and fro contrasts, they helped to create an incredible image in the reader's mind. As a bit of a secret tree hugger I could relate, very much enjoyed, meadow

[ladymaybebaby]

First congratulations on the spotlight choice, it is much deserved after reading your wonderful piece! I love the way you approached this write. Seeing the tree as we may see ourselves... alone and how we feel if the world sees us as such. I'm a horrible nature writer myself, but I do love reading wonderful pieces like this about the
great outdoors! There is so much imagery and thought inside of this write, a job so well done!

-LMB
xoxo

[Rassy48]

kat,
Congrats on your "Spotlight" poem. It is absolutely incredible. It makes me think of the human race. When we are standing there unclothed, what we are is what one sees ... on the outside. Inside are many untold and undivulged avenues, especially the heart. Your entire write just makes me parallel to humans and our
essence of being. That's my take. Don't know if tha't anywhere close. Anyway, Just a wonder, wonderful write.
Joanne

[SirDaniel]

many many years ago one of my first poems was inspired by a visit to a tree.. the entire concept fascinated me and then one day, due to no fault of my own, my poem was lost without a copy.. I never had lost a poem before and I honestly believed that all poems, once they are written and considered done, required a separation from the poet to the poem so the poet could write the next poem.. yet my mind kept returning to this poem as if I needed to write it again. I had no clue how the first poem went but one day I made up my mind to return to that lonely tree and see what I could get for the second time.. The poem I walked away with was considered one of my very best "early" poems and the first ever poem to get past the subject of "me" or "love"... it was also one of the first ever poems I would wind up reading in public.

I think these trees are linked to us when we write about them.. perhaps these thoughts in your poem are real and they are like a mirror.. looking inside you.

Best wishes, congratulations on the Spotlight.

~ Daniel

[musie]

I absolutely loved this piece...the heart of a tree, naked when it loses it's leave's for all to see, kind of like we human's...so I see this as both a metaphor ode to both the Art's and the human soul....Definitely deserving of the Spotlight...CONGRATULATION'S! Musie

[katthepoetess]

Thank you for choosing my poem to be Spotlighted! I appreciate it so much and thank you everyone for all the wonderful comments and critiques :) This has really made my day!

[tangerinepie]

A heaven sent spotlight poem that has everything one could desire.It filled me with the pure joy of nature, and gave the tree life.Enchanting..Ty..T..

[inflames]

Hi. This is a beautiful poem. Really well done. Congrats on your spotlight!

[flux]

This charmed me, the way you identify with the lone tree, the thoughts and feelings this single sight conjures up in you. Loved the clarity of this.

[Josie]

I liked your personification of the tree and your ability to illustrate empathy. My favorite lines were
'...part of me yearned to go to it.
Another part of me wondered,
like us when we are caught uncovered,
would it be embarassed if it knew
it was exposed?

[Ladywildalice]

Congratulations on the Spotlight for this very well done piece. I truly enjoyed it and was taken along on your trip of emotions.