The Walnut Tree
#2 of Poems
A poem I wrote a year or so ago for a friend who was feeling really down. I'll probably upload a few more of my poems here, though don't think I'm straying from writing stories. Enjoy!
Poison courses through her veins.
She feels it down to her roots.
Putting a name to the substance (juglone)
Doesn't help her, only makes her feel
More connected to her toxic nature.
The poison kills all that surrounds her
Until only grass remains.
Her fruit stains the hands
A long-lasting cocoa. Who would eat
A fruit that soils all it touches?
Who would stay near
A creature that kills all smaller plants?
She doesn't realize
That her poison and her stain
Are of no consequence.
In her broad limbs birds and squirrels find shelter.
Inside the discoloring fruit lies a sweet, hard center
Well worth waiting for.
She doesn't realize
That in her far-flung shade and grassy surroundings
The gentle folk may take picnics
And the children can play.
And with no smaller plants around,
Painters have a clearer view
Of her untainted beauty.
I hope someday she realizes
That her poison and her staining fruit
Are of no consequence.
These things only make her stronger
And draw her true friends closer.
I hope someday she sees in her reflection
The same beauty and resilience
Her friends see so clearly.