Revisting An Ancient Cedar

Yesterday we returned to one of our favorite spots for a hike. It is an old homestead that is surrounded by a creek, pine trees, and one ancient cedar. Standing under this massive tree was like being under a cedar bough umbrella.A Dream of Trees
There is a thing in me that dreamed of trees,
A quiet house, some green and modest acres
A little way from every troubling town,
A little way from factories, schools, laments.
I would have time, I thought, and time to spare,
With only streams and birds for company,
To build out of my life a few wild stanzas.
And then it came to me, that so was death,
A little way away from everywhere.
There is a thing in me still dreams of trees.
But let it go. Homesick for moderation,
Half the world's artists shrink or fall away.
If any find solution, let him tell it.
Meanwhile I bend my heart toward lamentation
Where, as the times implore our true involvement,
The blades of every crisis point the way.
I would it were not so, but so it is.
Who ever made music of a mild day?
––Mary Oliver

Comments

  1. Anonymous5.5.08

    What a beautiful place to sit and enjoy nature. I think some trees feel like guardians of their area - this looks like it might be one of 'those kind of trees...'

    ReplyDelete
  2. Wow, what an impressive photo on that second one looking up into the cedar branches...
    I enjoyed the poem very much... nice.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Anonymous6.5.08

    What great photos and I loved the poem. Nice post.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Thanks for posting these awesome photos. . .and the Mary Oliver (my favorite poet) who always says it best.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Anonymous6.5.08

    Mary Oliver’s poems: The poet’s answer to Georgia O’Keefe’s paintings

    ReplyDelete
  6. Beautiful magestic trees and words.. strength.

    ReplyDelete
  7. That's a beautiful tree and poem. What a wonderful place that must be to stop at for awhile.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Makes me want to go sharpen up the old chain saw.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Thanks so much for all the comments... and go figure...now you put away that old chain saw!!!

    ReplyDelete
  10. There was an old cedar tree where I grew up. I have fond memories

    ReplyDelete
  11. What a beautiful old tree.

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

I always enjoy reading comments!