Ebbs and Flows
alt title: sunshine on a paper birch tree
I felt it for the first time,
in a long time,
when we were standing on the riverbank
between here and there.
*
Our journey was long, but you know that.
If you didn't see the contents of my soul
before that moment,
perhaps you saw the potential
in the hope I could never shake,
or you understood that life had been
heavy for longer than usual,
or maybe,
you simply believed better than I ever could.
*
We had been lost
for an agonizing length of days (months? years?)
on different roads
before we had known each other.
I suppose it only made sense
that we would stumble into one another
at some point in this life,
that is both too short and too long.
*
I had existed in the terrifying unknown
with such severity and depth,
obliviousness took a ghastly hold.
I felt lost and alone for so long,
any other state of being
ceased to coincide with the truth
I now faced everyday.
Intense flashes of what used to be
seared my temples in dreams,
only to flit away upon waking.
Maybe that is why I clung to hope;
I understood what could be.
I had lived it long ago.
*
One day, I realized I was a paper birch tree.
It's easy to recognize the importance of trees.
They tower proudly and protect
those who seek shelter,
in and under their branches.
And though I'm not as impressive
as the massive sequoias or oaks,
still, I was able to anchor myself with strong roots,
allow time to pass over me in seasons and colours,
and bend my delicate branches
without breaking.
Yes, I must be a birch tree;
dwarfed by the mighty ashes, maples, and redwoods,
but still here,
a quiet and steady
guardian of the forest.
*
So I held fast on the brightest days
and in the darkest nights
on the long journey.
I met others along the way,
some carving paths with sharp tools and sure feet,
others living more like me,
drifting along as the world
pulled where it may.
They all came and went
just as they were meant to.
*
I met you somewhere in between.
You were one of the free ones,
I could tell from afar.
I wonder,
did you know then,
that you are sunshine?
I have always known that to be true.
You are warmth to many
and radiate from the inside out.
I couldn't tell your journey
had been just as long as mine.
Maybe you took great pains
to hide the unwanted memories
that crept into your psyche
at pivotal moments;
maybe you have always been
and always will be sunshine.
I don't know.
No one knows except you.
*
Our paths collided
and so we walked together for a time.
A long time.
Neither of us intended to stay
in the other's life, it just...
happened.
With the usual ebbs and flows
of daily existence,
you always seemed to be there,
and so did I.
Sometimes on purpose.
Often by accident.
*
The adventures that ensued on lighter days
were my favourite.
They were full of possibility and
always gave me more reason to hope.
Over time,
we were able to take on challenges together
and walk places
neither of us had ventured before.
When the rocky roads and downhill slopes
met the exciting heights and breathtaking views
in equal measure,
I came to a conclusion.
Paper birch trees need sunshine to grow.
Sunshine needs something to shine upon.
We were better together.
We are better together.
*
One day,
on a simple excursion to stretch our legs,
we stopped by the edge
of a slow-moving river.
The trees rooted strong
and the sun shone brightly.
As we watched the water trickle over the rocks
on its predetermined path,
I knew.
For the first time,
in a long time,
I was happy.
***
Thanks for reading!
If you like nature-themed poems, here's another:
About the Creator
Bugsy Watts
Got bit by the writing bug.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bugsywattspoetry/
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Comments (8)
"Sunshine needs something to shine upon." I especially loved that line so much! Your poem was soooo beautifully written and I'm so happy Angie included it in her piece!
Lovely poem, such sincere sentiment throughout!
Back again… I enjoyed his beautiful poem so much that I included it in my latest Angie’s Artifacts story.😃 https://vocal.media/writers/angie-s-artefacts-iii
This is an absolute masterpiece 🤩… it brought tears to my dry eyes! ‘ When the rocky roads and downhill slopes met the exciting heights and breathtaking views in equal measure, I came to a conclusion. Paper birch trees need sunshine to grow. Sunshine needs something to shine upon. We were better together. We are better together.’ Thank you 😊
Great poem!
I loved this. This is what relationships are and your use of nature to describe it is lovely. Your style of poetry is uncomplicated but has depth. I think I may have to subscribe.
How you described trees. Such a majestic piece.
This poem made me smile. Love, destiny, and happiness, few things more beautiful than that. Amazing work!