the wind that blows

the wind that blows
commands the trees
to bend and sway
in crazy dances
steps and moves
like Saturday night
in the dance-hall
of delight
a ballroom of romance
grasping and groping
hoping for a connection
only the dead elm
refused to sway
to the almighty power
but cracked
unbending
limb from limb
falling
dropping
on the snowdrops
spring was here
and the elm
that saw
our children grow
our parents
and
their parents too
was slowly
surrendering
its fate
not noble and defiant
as in some poets' romantic rhymes
but as slow death is
and can be
broken
torn
dismembered
bit by bit
on Nature's
butcher's slab
but hidden
in the snowdrop bank
young elms
are springing





Poetry by Peter Humphreys The PoetBay support member heart!
Read 752 times
star mini Editors' choice
Written on 2011-03-10 at 18:38

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Doreen Cavazza
This is so beautiful. The imagery is so vivid and wonderful. The rhythm is well done. Overall, it's breathy and light, it sings of spring and outdoor fresh air. I love this.
2011-05-19


Editorial Team The PoetBay support member heart!
This text has been chosen to be featured on the front page of PoetBay. Thank you for posting it on our poetry web site.
2011-05-17


Zoya Zaidi
The cycle of life must go on...
A lovely take on the the inevitable.
But, hope in form of new samplings completes the picture...
Well done Peter!
Love,
Zoya
2011-03-31


Stan Cooper The PoetBay support member heart!
Hi Peter...congratulations on writing a truly wonderful poem...

I particularly like the lines, "on natures butcher's slab"

Keep 'em coming

Stan
2011-03-20


John Ashleigh
An easy read with intense feeling. You make me feel as if I can catch 'the wind that blows' - it is that vivid. Thankyou for sharing, this was uplifting for my inspiration. Keep writing.

Regards,
John.
2011-03-10


NicholasG
A full grown elm is a majestic sight. I used to have one and will always remember the howling of the wind through its branches during snow storms. They are becoming much more rare now, due to Dutch Elm disease.
Thank you Peter.
2011-03-10