“For me, trees have always been the most penetrating preachers. I revere them when they live in tribes and families, in forests and groves. And even more I revere them when they stand alone. They are like lonely persons. Not like hermits who have stolen away out of some weakness, but like great, solitary men, like Beethoven and Nietzsche.” Hermann Hesse, “Bäume. Betrachtungen und Gedichte”
No hard benches for me, or pulpits, altars or holy books,
give me skies of blue with cirrus wisps that scribble truths.
Gatherings of trees are my sangha, age-old wisdom expounded
from the roughened bark and steadfast trunks that abide in calmness.
Their messages aren’t harsh and do not tell of hell and brimstone death
but instead teach trust in their brethren and nature as teachers.
Leaves and boughs happily greet as the breeze gently lifts in a
tender, quiet song of connected joy that is shared with those below.
Peace and harmony reign here in this sacred space of believers.
For me, trees have always been the most penetrating preachers.
Their serenity is multiplied when gathered in great throngs.
There is no jostling for favoritism or pushing aside of others
so that they may be held in higher esteem; trees teach humility.
It is hallowed ground that supports trees. I whisper in their midst.
You, I venerate as I sit at your feet and feel your gifts permeate my soul.
Quiet, meditating in one place…be still, find earth’s hidden treasure troves.
Strong, yet yielding in the face of seasons’ harshness; I bow O Masters.
My heart is restored and a reverence is imparted to me that uplifts.
Mystical beings dance and play among your holy, secret alcoves.
I revere them when they live in tribes and families, in forests and groves.
Isolated or living apart from one another, trees lift their limbs in resilience.
Though alone, rooted to the ground, they are visited and inhabited by
birds, animals, myriad bugs and even air plants that join them.
Stoic and steadfast is the solitary sentinel.
When separate and alone they stand like quiet beacons in the fog.
Having no others to entangle their branches, they sometimes feel unknown.
They stretch and reach out and up, vainly feeling for a neighbor.
But do their hearts languish or brood when kept to themselves?
O lone willow whose drooping branches caress a pond, here you are sown.
And even more I revere them when they stand alone.
Patience and endurance rule in the heart of the ancient oak.
Wisdom reflects from her heart where the Great Horned Owl resides.
Distinguished, with ancient ties to Vikings and Tigers, she rests.
These Masters of Stillness have taught contemplation since millennia.
Like the Crane poised to strike a fish, they wait in silence.
They draw strength from the community of all species.
Their brilliance is oftentimes overshadowed by their infinite modesty and grace.
The hum of om strums through their leaves gaining strength on the wind that then plays out into the universe.
These stately, wizened beings spend their lives in harmony, no need for treaties.
They are like lonely persons. Not like hermits who have stolen away out of some weakness, but like great, solitary men, like Beethoven and Nietzsche.
*Standing Post is a martial arts form based in Chi Kung. This Glosa was inspired by a dear friend who has mastered this form.
Grace is our host this evening for Open Link Night at dVerse Poets Pub. Come join us and share any one poem that you would like.
Björn Rudberg (brudberg)
/ November 17, 2016I so love how you expanded the words to a whole “thesis” of trees and forests, I actually saw that I can read this is a parable for humanity as well… trees are you and me and we…
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Bodhirose
/ November 17, 2016Thank you very much, Bjorn. Yes, this definitely speaks to all of humanity and how we can all learn from one another…trees or not!
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whippetwisdom
/ November 17, 2016Trees are such an inspiration and I love what you have done here Gayle :o)
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Bodhirose
/ November 17, 2016I agree, they are an inspiration…thanks very much, Xenia. :~)
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whippetwisdom
/ November 18, 2016You are very welcome ☺
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Grace
/ November 17, 2016We can learn a lot from the trees – their grace, wisdom, patience and endurance ~ I love this part best:
Gatherings of trees are my sangha, age old wisdom expounded
from the roughened bark and steadfast trunks that abide in calmness.
Wow to the glosa form Gayle ~
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Bodhirose
/ November 17, 2016Thanks very much, Grace. I’m loving this Glosa form that Bjorn introduced to me.
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ladynyo
/ November 17, 2016Gayle…this is Gorgeous! We share a bond in common with our reverence for trees and not for hard benches! As I read this, I was wondering if you had ever come across the Gaelic “Cod Codeau”, the legendary battle fought by different species of trees?
This is epic your poem. Never heard of the glosa form but I am so impressed what you have done with this one.
Jane
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Bodhirose
/ November 17, 2016Many thanks for your enthusiastic comment, Jane. No, I have never heard about that legendary battle fought by trees. How interesting. I was introduced to this form through Bjorn writing them on his blog. I took up the challenge and really enjoy the form.
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ladynyo
/ November 18, 2016When I find it I’ll send you the Cod Codeau….by email. It’s worth much to read it. It’s really a centerpiece in Celtic mythology.
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Bodhirose
/ November 18, 2016I would appreciate that, Jane, thanks very much.
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thotpurge
/ November 17, 2016Wonderful Glosa…I think it has everything one loves, wonders, admires and receives from trees.
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Bodhirose
/ November 17, 2016Thank you so very much.
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Magaly Guerrero
/ November 17, 2016“…give me skies of blue with cirrus wisps that scribble truths.” I could live in this line, singing and dancing around wondrous trees. Taking care of them, in the same way they take care of us.
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Bodhirose
/ November 17, 2016Oh, thanks for that, Magaly!
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kanzensakura
/ November 17, 2016Such a gorgeous glosa! I too am a tree lover, as you know. I love this.
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Bodhirose
/ November 17, 2016Yes, I sure do know. I love that image that I have in my mind of you sitting in one playing your violin…it tickles me, Toni! And thank you!
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kanzensakura
/ November 18, 2016🙂
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erbiage
/ November 17, 2016Oh yes trees! With roots in the soil and branches in the breeze, a bridge between earth and heaven are the trees. Thank you for this thought provoking wordfeast
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Bodhirose
/ November 17, 2016So very happy that you enjoyed my meditating trees! 🙂
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Sherry Blue sky
/ November 17, 2016This is glorious. I loved every line.
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Bodhirose
/ November 17, 2016Thank you very much, Sherry. High praise coming from you!
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Margaret Elizabeth Bednar
/ November 18, 2016Stunning. I am sending this to my daughter in college (an artist) and I know she will treasure these words.
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Bodhirose
/ November 18, 2016I’m honored that you want to share this with your daughter, Margaret, thank you!
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silentlyheardonce
/ November 18, 2016You reinforced a beautiful bonsai with the trees. Giving praise, respect and love to their majestic being. So beautifulfully exoressed.
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Bodhirose
/ November 18, 2016Thanks so much, Kim, they deserve all those things.
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Bryan Ens
/ November 18, 2016what a wonderful ode to trees! The glosa is one of the forms that I find most challenging…and you rocked it!
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Bodhirose
/ November 18, 2016Thank you, Bryan, I so appreciate your comment! The glosa is challenging but sometimes this form calls to me and I’m compelled to respond.
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Brian
/ November 18, 2016I too have never heard of the Glosa form. This is a excellent read. The pace and words are the sounds of trees in the breeze, the animals that live within on around them. The life force that pumps out oxygen for us to use.
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Bodhirose
/ November 18, 2016Many thanks for your generous comment, Brian. I was inspired by Hermann Hesse’s wonderful words about trees and then my friend who practices the Standing Post form. Trees truly are to be revered, I feel.
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georgeplace2013
/ November 18, 2016Gorgeous poem and I love trees also. I always feel like I am in the presences of a noble and wise people when I’m in the woods.
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Bodhirose
/ November 18, 2016Thank you, Debi, and I feel the same way as you.
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hypercryptical
/ November 18, 2016I love this as much as I love trees. My first ever blog post was of trees, my awe of them.
It is a great regret that I must soon end the life of one as it is undermining the foundations of my house. So sorry tree.
Kind regards
Anna :o]
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Bodhirose
/ November 18, 2016Oh, so glad you like this, Anna…thank you. Yes, it’s not easy to have to remove a tree but it sounds like you have no choice. I’m sure you would save it if you could. 🙂
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Hank Pelaez (@kaykuala)
/ November 18, 2016Their serenity is multiplied when gathered in great throngs.
There is no jostling for favoritism or pushing aside of others
so that they may be held in higher esteem; trees teach humility.
Philosophical but very true! No complications, they are not a bother but there to be a friend! Only thing is they are being felled by greedy corporate bodies with their own agendas!
Hank
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Bodhirose
/ November 19, 2016Thank you, Hank. Yes, I put a philosophical slant on my write about trees but much of it I feel is true…at least to me. We can learn a lot through observation of trees. 🙂 It, of course, saddens me to learn of their destruction.
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bkmackenzie
/ November 18, 2016I live your comparisons of trees and tribes. The Masters if Stillness who stand together yet alone…bkm
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Bodhirose
/ November 19, 2016Thank you, bkm.
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Kay
/ November 21, 2016I was so moved my this Gayle! I can also relate to the love of tress, not benches. Humanity’s teachings are all around us, and never is it more apparent and loud than outside, where we are one with our surroundings and can hear own our voices. Happy Monday. 💜
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Bodhirose
/ November 21, 2016Thank you very much, Kay, I’m so glad that you were moved by this. I agree with you entirely…nature shows us so much if we tune in and observe. Happy Monday to you!
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Kay
/ November 21, 2016To you as well. 💜
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