From the Poet's Own Voice

Poetry is a form of writing that is best heard from the poet's own voice.  By hearing what a poet says and how he/she says it, we are able to grasp the essence of the poem.

This week, I taught myself how to create audio recordings of my poems.  I am so excited, because now I can actually share them with my family and friends as if I were sitting with them.  What fun!

In introducing my first recording, it seems appropriate to begin with The Oak and the Maple.  This is a love poem of sorts, speaking of how some people come into our lives for a short time, but leave their mark on our souls forever.

Listen to The Oak and the Maple here.

 
And, for those who wish to read along --
 
THE OAK AND THE MAPLE
 

Once upon a time, two trees grew

side-by-side in the forest.

On one, there grew a sturdy oak leaf

and on the other a delicate maple.

 

As spring warmed to Summer, they grew

stretching themselves out to meet the other.

By Summer’s end, the edges of their being

gently kissed, as they danced

to the cool breeze that whispered Autumn’s arrival.

 

Autumn strode through the wood

painting each tree and bush.

The sturdy oak leaf wore a coat of lion’s mane brown

and the maple a shimmering gown of sunset red.

 

From their own branches, the two admired each other.

They hoped for another playful wind to come

so that they may dance together once more.

But, the winds that came were fierce and cruel.

The maple leaf was soon ripped from her home.

 

The oak could only stand watch

as she tumbled to the ground.

Thinking he had lost her forever,

he grew sad, hanging wearily from his branch.

 

Winter came at last, bringing with her a fluffy, white, snow quilt.

As she quietly passed through the forest,

she gently plucked the brokenhearted oak from his home.

With great tenderness,

she laid him on the moss below.

 

As the snow fell about him,

the oak felt a familiar touch.

There beside him lay the maple leaf

still dressed in her sunset gown.

 

Their love bound them together

As they returned to That, which gave them life.

 

by Linda M. Rhinehart Neas   © York, ME 1992