The Majestic

Soothing Sounds

of the Majestic Cottonwood

by the Shore

Yellow leaves hang on

in the autumn sunlight

turning in flickering moves

attracting all eyes to the beauty

of the tall cottonwood.

 

“Here, the place;

Rest, my shade;

Drink, a wave;

Soothe, your way.” 

 

Standing tall in groves

around the small lakes,

pooling creeks,

and rushing rivers,

they stand a beacon

in history as waves of

peoples travelled

east to west

on the continent

and across the Plains

needing nourishment

of leaves and bark

for livestock,

shade from

the blistering sun

in their slow journeys,

and the water the tree

means, for each,

human and critter.

 

“Here, the place;

Rest, my shade;

Drink, a wave;

Soothe, your way.” 

 

Today, still,

shade and beauty,

nourishment for deer

and bear and others,

we imagine the magnificence

of this majestic tree.

 

“Here, the place;

Rest, my shade;

Drink, a wave;

Soothe, your way.” 

 

Imagine its history

beneath its quiet rustle of autumn leaves

and the gentle whoosh, whoosh, whoosh

in the rhythm of the waves

swishing to the shore

over the strong roots

in honor of this great giant

standing gracefully, humbly

on the shore before us.

Close your eyes; dream of its

adventures, rooted in one place

but with arms reaching

up to stand tall,

a call for those in journey:

“Here, the place;

Rest, my shade;

Drink, a wave;

Soothe, your way.” 

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Poetry, photos, video by Sheri Edwards

This photography and poem is part of  #writeout sponsored by the National Writing Project and the National Park Service. The project is for everyone who loves to get outdoors and notice the stories of nature and the connections we humans have with that nature.  Learn more about the project here: NWP Writeout. There’s still time– started on 10/13 and is encouraged through 10/26— please join in!