Tell It to Trees
Rivers cannot hear
trees as they (the rivers) flow through
a forest of never-minds
with untied shoe laces.
While they listen
for messages from headwaters
and contemplate
possible explanations for silence
of the forest, they (the trees)
bend precariously toward their own
untied shoes.
It doesn’t matter
what sentient beings are there
to listen, they (the sentient beings) hear little
as rivers flow and trees bend…
because sounds they make (the rivers and the trees)
are masked by brash winds
that stretch their wings (the wind’s) across
rivers and through branches of trees
on journeys through time.
Rivers (their flowing waters) are passing through,
winds (their impassioned breaths) are on missions
understood by few – neither listens. But trees
can explore their worlds (the tree’s) by being alert
for sounds above and beyond those
of hardwood creaking and falling leaves,
by listening to stories told by rivers and by winds.
Learn more about Dr. Charles A. Stone on the Contributors page.
Looking for more to read? Check out the our list of Best Rural Novels.
(Photo: Thomas Hardy/flickr.com/ CC BY 2.0)
- Tell it to Trees by Dr. Charles A. Stone - November 9, 2024
- Tell it to Trees by Dr. Charles A. Stone - June 1, 2023