This is my first “photo poetry”: something I never heard of until it occurred to me that it was the only way to share how I feel as I study my images of trees. Most of these photos were taken last year near the California coast, a few hours’ drive north of San Francisco, and are best viewed on desktop or tablet.
What poem could I write about trees
that hasn’t been written before,
if not on parchment, paper, or PC,
then in hearts around the world?
Yet awe ferments in my soul
and presses me to pour into words
the wonder I can’t contain,
though words seem an unfit vessel.
Shall I start with the old and the tallest,
perfect settings for myths of all sorts
and for contemplating the depths of ourselves?
Or shall I start with the extraordinary,
that is, the head-turning, the jaw-dropping,
the walk-stopping, the never-seen-before
in my lifetime of gawking at trees?
No, I shall start with trees someone tried to manage
but made more wild in the attempt;
then I shall move on to trees someone tried to help
and made them more astounding for their struggle.
Reaching the end, I shall recall trees close to home,
the ones that make my heart sing about sunlight
when twilight comes earlier each night.
The end.
Oh my! I loved this. So creative and unique. Wonderful photos and verse. What a fantastic idea, my friend.
Thank you, Imo Jeane. I’m so delighted that it hit you that way.
You may not have “invented” the art, but you did a beautiful job with it.
Thank you for sharing.
Your comment makes me grin, as I remember our conversation about “photo poetry” and how I discovered that I hadn’t invented it. A fun moment with a friend concluded here in such a lovely way. Thanks, Susan.
What a clever idea! I like this very much.
So nice to hear from you, Lynda. It was very satisfying to create poetry this way and very satisfying to know that you liked it very much.
Beautiful, Sally; just beautiful! I think the two gifts combined are especially uplifting.
Thank you so much, Beth. Really good to hear from you.