Wonder Of A Tree

Wonder Of A Tree

I never pause to look upon a tree
Without partaking of its mood
That reaching calmly forth, envelopes me
Within a tent of quietude.

A weathered oak or elm, a singing pine
That God has breathed on, lifts my heart
Until its mood has permeated mine
With something only trees impart:

A rugged sweep of strength and beauty won
From storms that I could never breast,
A stillness drawn from mist and rain and sun,
From sheltering a robin's nest;

The wonder of a tree against the sky
Whose mood is felt but never known,
Inalienable loveliness that I
Would gather close and make my own.

~ Marie Barton

From my mother's poetry notebook

Trees In A Storm

Trees In A Storm

O, what must the tall trees
     Think of me for going
Off to find a sheltering place
     When a storm is blowing?

How must all the brave trees
     Wonder at my fright
When the tempest hurls a swift
     Jagged fork of light!

And must not the strong trees
     Laugh at me, perhaps,
In their beautiful delight
     Of the thunder-claps?

Tall and brave and strong trees,
     With your guidance, I
Soon shall meet a storm with arms
     Flung, laughing, to the sky!

~ Elaine V. Emans

From my mother's poetry notebook