Forest —
is not only trees
but mycorrhizal mulch
and shrubs; it’s fox and fowl
it’s scent and sounds; our past
and future — yet, we chainsaw trees
to pulp and sow the seeds for future sorrow:
I see a field of stumps, a cemetery, ash and tarmac;
don’t blame
the axe, but
blame your-
self
Sawn tree by Ivan Shishkin
Sherry wants us to be hopeful with the future of trees at toads. I couldn’t be too hopeful and besides it’s so important to think forest and not just the trees.
I also link this to hedge as I have used 55 words.
—
January 19, 2018
Björn Rudbergs writings 
I love the form of this! I have my friend but I also have the whole woods. It is hard to be hopeful but I think you did it very well.
Clever use of a “concrete” form. Wish the seriousness of your poem reflected in the festive feel of that image. But then I’ve always been confused by sad-faced clowns, too. I very much like the poem, Björn, just to make that clear. 🤡
I love a shape poem, Bjorn, and this one’s brilliant, especially: ‘it’s fox and fowl
it’s scent and sounds; our past
and future ‘
but the ending is so sad with the ‘field of stumps, a cemetery, ash and tarmac’.
Great write, Björn….mankind only has himself to blame…l
I enjoyed the use of the shape of a tree to form your poem, Björn. I got a little chuckle about the intent of the poem prompt. A little off the mark. Even though I understand why you went astray, it still made me smile.
Yes, trees in the aggregate–ie, forest–are an entity in themselves, passing nutrients and who knows what else through their root-grafting, all part of one being…perhaps that makes them more resilient–if we give them a chance. Love the shaped 55, Bjorn, and the sentiment. Thanks for playing.
Aha….we are on a similar page Bjorn. Great use of the form.
I noted that Paul
mycorrhizal mulch – such a great line.. i too love the shape and form of this poem
Not only this is a fine write & form but one that touches a rightful cause 💖.
Oh goodness, humans are such a destructive species.
I like the message here… you painted a desolate and forlorn image. Good one!
it’s fox and fowl
it’s scent and sounds..
I love the phrasing here, and the positive way it sounds – great juxtaposition for the absence of trees at the end.
I get very upset about trees being cut down for the sake of it. On the UK news this morning, they interviewed a woman in a village where the powers that be want to axe some woodland, which includes four huge ancient oaks, to make way for a road and a housing estate. Have they any idea of the eco-system that belongs to oak trees of that age? Your poem is beautifully written, but it makes me sad. By coincidence, I’ve just written a haiku for posting on monday, which contains the word “mulch”. We must have both had the richness of woodlands on our minds today.
I love that you shaped the poem like a tree. And yes, it’s mad how we cut forests. What I liked most are the scents and sounds – that made the poem come alive for me
Sow the seeds of future sorrow – indeed we do.
How little we seek to understand the symbiotic relationships of mighty host trees in their vast root systems, or how destruction of the rain forests will eventually affect irreversible climate change.
I see the cemetery too…
Anna :o]
So very true….do not blame the axe! I love how you have brought to our attention so beautifully that there is more to the forest that is affected than just the trees.
Love the message of this poem and its form. I particularly liked your use of scents and sounds associated with trees.
Love the content and shape of this poem. ‘Sow the seeds for future sorrow’ is well placed.
We are responsible for destroying the forests and the habitats of so many other species.. we hsve no one else but ourselves to blame
All the clearcutting that has been done over the years – in Europe and American- all over the world – the rainforest … Will we ever learn? Love the drawing and the shape poem.