Poetry Friday is hosted by Matt Forrest Esenwine here at Radio, Rhythm & Rhyme! Thanks, Matt for hosting and for celebrating those beautiful poems and poets in Lee's new Night Wishes! I am thinking of all of you with the terrible fires and now flooding in our country, plus educators working so hard to do well for your students. It's a challenging time and I am hoping for better in less than two months!
I moved into my 'now' home in 2012 and while I love the inside, the real reason that cinched my decision is this 100 years plus cottonwood in my side yard and all the trees surrounding me in the green space plus the library that is a block away. Those of you on social media with me probably recognize the tree because I really believe I might take more pictures of it than most anything, except for the grandchildren! Well, every few years, I need to have the arborists out, to check the tree's health and to trim some of the branches, those dead or dying and those hanging a little too low over the house. Yes, I have a motive for telling you this. The people who do this are wonderful and Tuesday, my yard and the outer garden one was covered with tree debris. They cleaned it up beautifully. But I am used to picking up sticks from this and other trees anyway and there were a few left. I started thinking about all the times my children and my grandchildren have played with sticks. I even remember a few times so long ago creating a structure with large sticks, then filling it up with snow for a snowball fight. They, thus my tree, is a treasure for more than one reason.
I love that my kids - like me, as a child - can find joy and inspiration with the simplest of things, like sticks. Wands, battle staffs, walking sticks, and tent pole...who knows what is in store!
ReplyDeleteWell, you know I agree, Matt. Nothing more fun than sticks! Thanks!
DeleteOh yes, I love this so much! Fun for kids and also for pups. I'm thinking of pictures of dogs with enormous sticks too big to carry around.
ReplyDeleteI remember seeing the pics of dogs trying to get through a gate with one of those large sticks, so funny! Sticks help our imaginations go wild! Thanks, Liz
DeleteLOVE your clever poem and the backstory about your tree! So much fun for free with a little imagination. And seeing Ingrid and Imogene always makes me happy (such beautiful, creative, smart girls!).
ReplyDeleteHow fun! Oh, the sticks my kids and I have collected over the years. They have been the best playthings. Please send some love to your cottonwood tree for me. I love that it's such a part of your family.
ReplyDeleteKids + trees = a real stick-to-it-iveness! hee-hee! I love your poem, Linda and your cottonwood pictures! I and I's smiles say it all! :)
ReplyDeleteSticks are perfect for outdoor play. I love seeing your before and after the snowstorm photos of your cottonwood, Linda. My brother said you went from 80 degrees to snow in a few days!
ReplyDeleteIsn't it great to have a favorite tree? Mine is the cherry in my backyard. Your poem is so clever. If you don't know the book Bikes for Sale by Carter Higgins and Zachariah O'Hora, you might like to check it out. One of the main characters, Lotta, collects and gives away sticks.
ReplyDeleteSticks are the best, and so are trees.
ReplyDeleteThe natural affinity children have for sticks is all too evident Linda. You have harnessed this observation and transformed into a poem that forever captures those quicksilver moments of childhood imagination and play. Well done you!
ReplyDeleteThank you all. I'm not surprised you enjoyed my post & poem. It was fun to write & everyone loves sticks! I've spent the best part of the afternoon at Urgent Care, having run my right eye into a cedar branch, not a 'stick' but part of the 'needles'! Ugh. It will be okay, not a serious injury, thank goodness & that's why I went to check!
ReplyDeleteThe grandgirls are growing up right before my eyes via photos. That tree is a wonderful place for sitting, thinking, photos, and memories. Your poem brings to light all the possibilities nature gives. It would be a great poem for my little girls to hear. PS: I fell asleep reading your post last night and when I woke up, I crawled into bed. I just read what happened to you and I hope all will be well. Your eye must be so sore today. All the best, Linda.
ReplyDeleteCarol, it actually feels better today & I am relieved that I did have it checked. Thanks for your wishes!
DeleteHow lucky your grand girls have that tree and you. What memory treasures they are making. Hope your eye is better today.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Jone. It is better today, hoping that continues!
DeleteThat's a gorgeous tree and spot you have to sit in and look out upon… Love your granddaughter's in the tree too! Fun poem in thought and rhythm Linda, I can hear the stick rattling along as it hits the slats. Hope your eye continues to heal and feel better.
ReplyDeleteLove this, Linda. Sticks and bags and boxes are magical things. Hope your eye is healing!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Michelle and Laura. I am still picking up sticks & yes, my eye is better each day, thank goodness! Happy Sunday!
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