Among ancient giants
Along paths etched through pine needles
As hesitant fingers of mist wrap around me
I follow the curve and stop
At the unexpected whisper
Of two moss covered guards
Warning me not to disturb the peace

For the visually challenged reader, this image shows a forest scene with a path going deep into the forest. The trees at the distance are shrouded in mist.
Sadje’s What Do You See #74 offered this serene photo of a misty path winding through the forest – a perfect day for a peaceful hike! At least it’s peaceful to us – but what of the plants and animals who live there? Is it peaceful for them as we traipse through their home?
This poem was also inspired by Kate’s Friday Fun – Etching and Sgeoil at the Saturday Ragtag Daily Prompt – Unexpected. The mood of this poem was unexpected for me. I had thought of writing a poem of two people in love, walking through the woods and etching their initials into a tree. But after reading about the parts of a tree’s bark and how, after the protective outer layer that we see, the next layer (called phloem) is living conductive tissue that carries food throughout the tree, I got to thinking….
The romantic act of lovers carving initials into a tree is actually hurting the tree. While it may not immediately kill a tree, the carving will leave a tree open to infection and will result in a permanent scar. (For more information – read here and here.) How often do we do something that – intentionally or unintentionally – hurts another living thing?
Since the start of lockdowns due to the pandemic, the amount of carbon dioxide in the planet was reduced by 20%. That means that people staying home reduced the amount of air pollution in the world. While this dip may not be enough to offset overall global warming, it shows how significant an impact humans make in the world. (Jane’s Climate Change World Map has a great visual on this topic.)
This pandemic has etched a permanent scar on our collective human psyche. But what scars have we left on the world?
©️ 2021 iido
Beautiful walk in a serene forest, Irma. If we humans become more aware of the consequences of our actions, our world would be a better place. Thanks for joining in with this important message.
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Sometimes, all we need, is, to listen close, to the sounds of nature, and, we would, find all the, answers, that we, seek…
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So true! ❤️
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A walk among living ancient giant trees
Is walk through nature’s irreplaceable history
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great poem Irma, you’ve certainly etched deep in my memory not to harm a tree … interestingly I’ve never carved anything in them!
Really appreciate you joining in the fun … more impressive cos I know how busy you are!
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I haven’t carved on a living tree either (dead trees like desks and chairs – yes – but not living trees). I join in when I can! I actually have many poems for your prompts that I didn’t get to finish and post.
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lol there is absolutely NO time limit, so if you ever manage the time you are welcome to add your talent 🙂
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That is good to know!
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A lovely poem and a thoughtful post. I followed the map link – what a fascinating blog!
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Yes, Jane has so much great information on her blog! So many lessons to learn just from looking at maps!
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beautiful poem Irma, and your story ’bout not writing a poem for lovers etching their names on the tree really amazed me.. so thoughtful of you to do that..
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Thanks, Mich! It is sad though that something that has been used as a symbol of love is actually the way to show love to nature.
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Another beautiful poem about our world and how we might best live in it. I’m impressed you remembered lessons learned from the climate change maps. 😊🌲🌳
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I love your maps! I think your posts are very well researched so they do stay in my memory.
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A powerful message in your post. The role of trees as part of our survival on earth is too easily forgotten.
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So true! We are definitely all inter-connected!
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Pingback: What do you see # 74 – A Roundup – Keep it alive
How beautiful. I adore trees, and love this personification of their power.
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Thank you. Trees are powerful and can be so healing. We underestimate their importance.
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