Poetry

A Tree with Legs

Trees can walk, I should know.

Sense Memory

— 2 min read
An ink pen drawing of a tree-man with discernible face, arms, and legs. He stands with one hand resting on a rock next to him.
Illustration by Scott Kersey.

I am a tree with legs
My branches are tall and lush
My roots feast on nourishing soil
Until I pick up my feet
And with thunderous thud
Stomp towards my next meal

I am a mountain with ears
Who hears the song of the birds
The bear's snore, the lion's growl
And with them in perfect time
Shifts earth, stone, and grass
To build a stage for their symphony

An illustration of a tree-person with vibrant orange leaves. They are standing while leaves swirl around them.
Illustration by Katie (legdotegg).

I am a sun with arms
As big as I shine
I bring close those held dear
Into a warm embrace
As frigid ice thaws
And light spreads

I am a moon with eyes
Haunting night's horizon
I see spoken secret words
I see made covert moves
Dark armor not impenetrable
Under looming stony gaze

An illustration of a tree with legs and four arms. They are standing with one foot propped up on a rock. A celestial body shines in the background.
Illustration by aigys.

I am a river with teeth
Swift, biting, and cold
Gnashing into firmament
But that which bites speaks
I whisper of richness and life
Waiting below the current

I am a hand with nothing
That yearns to grasp and hold
I touch and pat and search
For something to hold onto
And what do I find
But the branch of a tree

An illustration of a tree with discernible arms and legs. It is sitting with its right hand rested on it's right knee, and it's left hand reaching out.
Illustration by Lindsey Odom.

This poem came from a challenge I received from Lyght to make something today. I put out a call for art commissions to go along with this, and am deeply grateful that Scott Kersey, Katie (a.k.a. legdotegg), aigys, and Lindsay Odom answered the call. Wonderful folks all, and well worth following on social media, should you be inclined.

Go make something, and convince someone else to do so as well.

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