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One More Tree

Her words rasp at his flesh and tear his manhood; splintered, he picks up the pieces and goes to his dead-end job to be passed over for the next promotion,  dignity flayed. His progeny taunt his mannerisms behind his back, and chip away at his character with teeth drilled to fine points. When the financial…

Her words rasp at his flesh

and tear his manhood;

splintered,

he picks up the pieces and goes to his

dead-end job

to be passed over for the next promotion,

 dignity flayed.

His progeny

taunt his mannerisms behind his back,

and chip away at his character

with teeth drilled to

fine points.

When the financial storm hits,

and his trunk shatters,

who will hear one more tree

falling in the forest?

Responses to “One More Tree”

  1. Robert Rife

    Let’s see, there’s a verse somewhere that says, “for truly I say unto you, this doth kick ass!”

    1. melodylowes

      Robert 2:6??? 🙂

      1. Robert Rife

        Man, do you ever know your bible. That was impressive.

      2. melodylowes

        Well, I don’t like to brag…

      3. Robert Rife

        Except for then…well, and now. And, now…oh never mind.

      4. melodylowes

        *Dang* He’s on to me! 😦

      5. Robert Rife

        I, like you, love boasting of my humility. It’s my best quality. I hardly ever mention it. Once I finish my 1200 word post on the subject you’ll not hear from me again.

      6. melodylowes

        Not to brag or anything, but I can read REALLY fast. I’ll make that 1200 word post my breakfast appetizer. 🙂

      7. Robert Rife

        Gimme a few days to read this comment and I’ll get right back to ya.

      8. melodylowes

        If you have any trouble, I have experience in reading instruction. You too could be hooked on phonics! 🙂

  2. blackandwrite

    This is a great poem with it’s mix of nature references and social commentary relevant to our time. Wonderful!

    1. melodylowes

      Thanks so much!

  3. Caddo Veil

    Oh WOW, Melody! What a lesson, taught with such sharp imagery, yet gracious style. Beautiful–going into the keepsake file! God bless you–love, sis Caddo

    1. melodylowes

      Rather a melancholy subject – but once in a while, it’s good to explore different avenues, right?

  4. adaisygarden

    There’s a lot to think about here. You’ve captured emotions and thoughts that most aren’t aware of. Thanks for sharing.

    1. melodylowes

      Thank you – rather melancholy, but I can picture ‘him’ falling without support – a good reminder to be aware of those around us and encourage them when it is in our power.

  5. lylekrahn

    Powerful words.

    1. melodylowes

      Thank you Lyle!

  6. RoSy

    We are so much like that tree.
    Who will notice if we fall amongst the population?

    1. melodylowes

      Rather along the lines of ‘it takes a village’, right? We have the opportunity to stand in that gap for someone who is slipping today – will we notice it? I have to ask myself that question…Thanks for joining this dialogue, Rosy!

  7. greenlightlady

    This is a powerful poem! It is a tear maker. May we all stand by our men, so that this remains fiction!
    ~ Wendy

    1. melodylowes

      True! I was thinking about all of those who fall through the cracks in our system – and we have the chance to encourage ‘as long as it is called today’!

  8. LutheranLadies

    Oh, this tears at my heart. Perhaps because I deal with jobless males (and females) everyday. It ripples though the family and community. What powerful words you’ve written.

    1. melodylowes

      Thank you! There are so many that will fall through the cracks and there seems to be no one to pick them up – may WE be that one who provides encouragement at a timely hour!

  9. Debbie

    What a good poem and lesson too, today, to care and not tear down. Thank you, Melody, for encouraging us to be there for others.

    1. melodylowes

      Thank you Debbie – how many lessons I still need to learn. Pondering these things does remind us that what we do and say has value.

  10. Poetry and Musings

    The power of words and actions, beyond our everyday thought; thank you for sharing yours!!

    1. melodylowes

      Thanks Kathleen!

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