One summer
Where I hadn't planned that one should be.
I cut it down
Without a thought.
The next summer,
It returned, but I hadn't the heart
To cut it again while it stood green and fine,
So I sawed it at its base
In the autumn.
A third time, my mulberry returned;
At last, I fell in love,
And that is the only sharpness I let near.
I tend her now with deep and careful sweetness
Born of my mistakes become a prayer.
_______
That last line, Shay, it just cuts and sings at the same time. I guess nature knows better, doesn't it?
ReplyDeleteThe last stanzas are deep medicine, indeed. Perhaps what lives in spite of our mistakes is always a deep mystery, and a living prayer. Fine fine poem, root and branch.
ReplyDeleteShay--I am always in awe of your word choice. "Sawed it at its base...green and fine."
ReplyDeleteI wonder if the just-right words come to you naturally, or whether you do a lot of drafting to get them where you want them?
Inquiring minds want to know...
smiles. thank goodness over time we learn, and let live as we live and love while sharp at times and most certainly cuts can change and grow as well...very nice shay...
ReplyDeleteBeautitiful!
ReplyDeleteI simply adore this poem, and especially love the last two lines: "born of my mistakes become a prayer." So tenderly beautiful.
ReplyDeleteHave you been standing in the backyard of my city house? because that is exactly what happened. It's still growing at the corner of the shop where it is sure to cause a lot of havoc to said building.
ReplyDeleteOoh, persistency pays off. :) Lovely, Shay. PS - I mentioned you in today's post. ;)
ReplyDeleteoh.... this is sweet and life craving.
ReplyDeletegreat one, shay girl!
You can't underestimate the power of the Mulberry!
ReplyDeleteThey dig in deep.
Tenacious with a T :)
the unsought blessings we overlook with annoyance!
ReplyDeleteAloha from Waikiki;
Comfort Spiral
> < } } ( ° >
><}}(°>
ooooh, i have missed your magical words, Shay! ♥ i'm glad you finally fell in love with her.
ReplyDeletedani
{i'll be back to read more after i get some sleep. hope you have a lovely Sunday.}
Mulberries are messy, but they sure are delicious.
ReplyDeleteAnd obviously inspirational!
Loved this Shaysie....G
Like Hedgewitch said, deep medicine.
ReplyDeleteThis almost made me cry. It really hit deep. Those that stick around, keep coming back despite our mistakes are true gifts. They have an incredible strength of spirit.
ReplyDeleteI have this fine angel-like hair that grows out of right shoulder. I keep pulling it out but it keeps coming back.
ReplyDelete...I think I'll keep pulling it out ;-)
So wonderful - glad you are back.
ReplyDelete