Curse

Davion · Mar 31, 2005, 04:02 AM // 04:02

The Murder Of Trees

No one listens
to their stories anymore
too few remaining are those
who understand its soul
follow the rhythym of its muse
the wisdom of the ages....

Whispers
only silent murmurings of faith
holding back the windswept plains
sorrowed by the rains

So befuddled and confused
to look upon a tree
in the way of grander view
and think it not bleed
when set upon the blade
crush upon embrace with death
to not hear its anguished groan
crying as its life-blood seeps away

Its life now taken
takes the lives of so much more
the land left nude
against the cold

-finis

Nascent · Mar 31, 2005, 04:23 AM // 04:23

Very nice. It reminds me of another poem thats along the same lines, "Cad Goddeu" (The Battle of the Trees). It tells the story of a battle fought between Gwydion and Bran. Gwydion won the battle by making the trees of the forest come to animated life and fight for him (hence the name).

Cad Goddeu
(The Battle Of The Trees)
Translated by Robert Graves

The tops of the beech tree have sprouted of late,
are changed and renewed from their withered state.

When the beech prospers, though spells and litanies
the oak tops entangle, there is hope for trees.

I have plundered the fern, through all secrets I spy,
Old Math ap Mathonwy knew no more than I.

For with nine sorts of faculty God has gifted me,
I am fruit of fruits gathered from nine sorts of tree -

Plum, quince, whortle, mulberry, respberry, pear,
black cherry and white, with the sorb in me share.

From my seat at Fefynedd, a city that is strong,
I watched the trees and green things hastening along.

Retreating from happiness they would fein be set
in forms of the chief letters of the alphabet.

Wayfarers wandered, warriors were dismayed
at renewal of conflicts such as Gwydion made;

Under the tongue root a fight most dread,
and another raging, behind, in the head.

The alders in the front line began the affray.
Willow and rowan-tree were tardy in array.

The holly, dark green, made a resolute stand;
he is armed with many spear-points wounding the hand.

With foot-beat of the swift oak heaven and earth rung;
"Stout Guardian of the Door", his name in every tongue.

Great was the gorse in battle, and the ivy at his prime;
the hazel was arbiter and this charmed time.

Uncouth and savage was the fir, cruel the ash tree -
turns not aside a foot-breadth, straight at the heart runs he.

The birch, though very noble, armed himself but late:
a sign not of cowardice but of high estate.

The heath gave consolation to the toil-spent folk,
the long-enduring poplars in battle much broke.

Some of them were cast away on the field of fight
because of holes torn in them by the enemy's might.

Very wrathful was the vine whose henchmen are the elms;
I exalt him mightily to rulers of realms.

Strong chieftains were the blackthorn with his ill fruit,
the unbeloved whitethorn who wears the same suit.

The swift-pursuing reed, the broom with his brood,
and the furse but ill-behaved until he is subdued.

The dower-scattering yew stood glum at the fight's fringe,
with the elder slow to burn amid fires that singe.

And the blessed wild apple laughing in pride
from the Gorchan of Maeldrew, by the rock side.

In shelter linger privet and woodbine,
inexperienced in warefare, and the courtly pine.

But I, although slighted because I was not big,
Fought, trees, in your array on the field of Goddeu Brig.

And if you can tell me the other, more widely known version of this poem (though likely not known consciously by most) you get a COOKIE! oooo Ahhhh

Davion · Mar 31, 2005, 04:31 AM // 04:31

offhand?..not sure..but nice read as well

as far as mine? I wrote it about 7 years ago. It has been an interesting way to pass the time. I have another one related to it as well...... The Memory of Trees.....

(and to think I really wanted that cookie... oh well.. (grabs a homemade choco chip freshly baked tonite

)

for some reason I keep finding myself drawn to a Robert Frost poem for your answer......

Nascent · Mar 31, 2005, 04:41 AM // 04:41

Ah I didn't realise it was written by you, well then, extra kudos. I've absolutely no talent for poetry. Creative writing yes, poetry no. Hats off to you

And nope, not Robert Frost, but good guess.