(Poem and title inspired by "The Giving Tree"--Shel Silverstein.)
THE GIVING TREE
Brilliant splendor of autumn foliage
had passed when I first came to you.
Bare of the spirit of days before,
loss lay at our feet
but you listened.
I came to whisper secrets
dark and deep as the hurt I felt.
Bitter as the winter wind,
we were so fragile and so cold
and you listened.
You listened silently
as I cried to hear myself it seems
weep a spring rain of tears.
You dropped a small blossom at my feet
as if to care.
We both stood tall against the sun
as I began to smile again.
Coming to let you know of my peace,
your soft rustly laughter echoed
in the faint summer breeze
and you embraced me with leafy arms.
(10/97)
js
Author notes
NOWAYJO
In a list
- Stompin' the Graves of Dead or Un-Dead Poets Poems • next in list
- All My All-Star Favorite Poems • next in list
A contest entry
- Seasons! by soccer220.
475 points, ended November 12, 2007, 17 entries
Gold trophy winner
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest
Comments
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What lovely imagery and metaphors! I really enjoyed this read that left me with a feeling of serenity and so appreciative of nature's beauty that can be so spiritual.
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Cool! This is so sweet! I can totally understand when you say that you got inspiration from the Giving Tree! This is awesome poem! Thanks for entering and good luck! Keep writing!
P.S. I don't usually like pictures on poems, but your graphic is really, really neat! Thanks!
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You took me beautifully through the seasons and gave a sense of the way I feel about trees. You also reminded me of a person who's there for me.
Peace Georgia
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a very beautiful sonnet, i loved your words the imagery the metaphours.. very well done.. this is the only free verse sonnet i liked in this contest
thanks for entering and best of luck in the contest
regards
abuyi
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Wonderfully beautiful write this is!
Thank you, Jo, for sharing this and for being a part of the contest...well done! -
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Thank you for these comments, Heavenly. I'm hoping you do stay on at AP. My own time here has been limited by circumstances lately, but it's to know by the many good people I've met here, it's a place I'll always return, and I'm sure you will too.
Wishing you the best, and enjoy your son's wedding too!!!
Jo
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i really enjoyed this great poem. great omagery and very peaceful. thanks for entering my contest
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I really enjoyed this piece from you.
Wonderful imagery here and I love the
picture you chose. Very beautiful and
spiritual too. Great work and thanks
for entering my contest. I wish you the best
of luck with it!
Jeremy0826 -
I really enjoyed your poem, I like the way you intertwined friendship with nature and got some really nice imagery into your poem.
Thankyou for submitting this poem into my contest and good luck! -
Oh how very soothing and comforting. Your descriptions so real and full of emotion. Very well written. Thanks and good luck.
Jeannie -
Excellent
I really enjoyed reading this.Thanks for entering -
there are-- what? -- 110 comments on this poem... i don't think i remember reading it... but i think all that i need to say has already been said by someone before. all i add is that this stuff is so gentle and emotive. very nice.
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i like it. it does parallel the giving tree a lot. good write.
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Thanks Rose...It's probably one of my oldest poems that I still have a copy, but one of my own favorites.
I appreciate your comments and enjoy the contest!
Jo
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This is BEAUTIFUL! Keep it up! One hardly gets such entries as I recieved from you. Thanks for the entry.
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Thank you so much for your comments, Rimps. I really appreciate.
ENJOY THE CONTEST!
Jo
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Very Nice
This is a wonderful poem. You did a great job with this piece and I really enjoyed reading it. Good luck in the contest.
~Majestic Poet -
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Thank you so much for your comments to this poem, Majestic. This is such an old one of mine, but I guess because it is it's become one of my own favorites.
Enjoy the contest!
Jo
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I grabbed three of his hard cover books from a discount table at Sams Club shortly after he was gone. Imagine that! The discount table! Must of been fate,because my two little grandsons had never in their 5 and 7 years heard his work.But I've never heard this one by him I'm sorry to say. Kinda different from his style. I love it. I wasn't aware till after his demise,he'd written porno for a while in his early days.I thought of course the news man must of been mistaken.But I guess it must be true.My second fav was "The Polar Bear in the Frigidaire".~~Suseann
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You did a wonderful job here. Little boy and the old man is one I really enjoy personally to be honest my favorite is Sara Cynthia Silvia Stout..... Well I like them all teeehee. Thank you for the entry in the contest!
Twinzy
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Lovely write
This is a truly lovely write. I actually feel a calmness settling on my spirit. How did you do that?
Beautifully penned. Good luck in the contest. Blessings! Tammy -
Thank you so very much, Crystal...I really appreciate your comments!
Jo -
WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Sorry...couldn't think of any other words to describe this 
I liked this a lot. This piece just gives me a certain feeling and I really like it
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thanks Dark. Enjoy your contest!
Jo -
wow this was great, thank you for entering this contest!! good luck
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thank you JoRoDo...I really appreciate your comments and enjoy the contest!
JO -
brilliant write! I love the ending the most! It just seemed so caring and motivatingly emotional. Fantastic job, keepup the good work!! <3 Good luck in my contest *JOrdan**
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Thanks so much for your comments to this poem, Crimson, and thanks for running the contest. I look forward to any others you may feature.
Jo -
I loved this poem!
There is a tree in my back yard
much like the one in your poem
which I have set beside and let
my tears and emotions flow to.
And not to mention your poem title
inspired by a great childrens book.
Amazing poem! -
thank you Sau! this poem was written back in 1997, when I first returned to writing after a long, long spell and really felt to be the first poem I had ever written that actually felt to pour itself on to paper. It's just one of my own /favorites/ for that I guess...and thank you again for your lovely comments!
Jo -
So much peace and love in these words. It has a spiritual feel to it, and at the same time, is very clear in imagery. Very well written, indeed.
Good wishes,
Sau. -
thanks Scarlet. I do appreciate the comments you left to this poem.
Jo -
Your poem is very touching, I like the ending which is full of hope for the future.
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thank you so much Stygian. I really appreciate the nice comments left to this poem.
Jo -
Yes, musical is the way to describe this. The flow of words was like water over rocks in a peaceful creek. I loved the images evoked by the simple yet emotive language. I wrote a poem like this once ... ages ago and it brought back good memories of that time also.
Thanks for sharing this wonderful piece.
x -
thank you Sycho. I think of all my poems, although this is not my best, it's my favorite. I really appreciate your comments...
Jo -
This is such a musical poem, I like it. Thank you for writing it and good luck in the contest!
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thank you so much Jessica. when reading your contest details, this poem came to mind. it was written during a time when I was feeling pretty much the same. it's all to say you do have friends and those who will listen and support you...
take good care.
Jo -
Wow. I am a huge fan of Shel Silverstein. And I love this poem so much! It shows the peace in sharing your thoughts, even if you think no one is listening. Having a special place to go to, saying what you want, it's all an awesome concept. Thank you for this awesome submission and best of luck to you.
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it's still my favorite book in the world, Musical. I was given a copy as a gift when my daughter was a baby, and that was 25-years-ago. I treasure the book and the story!
thank you for your nice comments!
Jo -
This was so beautiful! I loved that book when I was little and I still do. This was a beautiful poem and had such emotion and feeling to it. Hope you do well!
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thank you so much Betty. I truly appreciate.
Jo -
Beautiful! Good luck in the contest.
Betty -
thanks Reenie! been so long since my daughter was first given the Silverstein book, but it's strange how often I still talk or think about it. one of those stories that never fades.
seems even long time ago since I wrote this poem, and I thank you for your sweet comments!
Jo -
It has been years since I read that poem . Thank you so much for refreshing my mind, thank you for giving this poem your own unique words....I am very partial to trees in general , so of course I would be untrue to myself if I found one single thing to criticise in this....the tree, the weeping heart and the four seasons that you managed to touch on in the write, give this a must read rating in my mind, and I thank you for giving me the chance to do s
. Best wishes in this contest,
reenie
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hey there Meli! I promise you that if you even read Shel Silverstein's "Giving Tree" in a visit to a bookstore, it will be a story that you'll never forget. Although my daughter was given a copy of the book when she was only an infant--(she's 25 now), it's still a book and story that I cherish everyday. I know you will too.
thank you always your lovely comments to my poems. I truly appreciate.
Jo
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thank you Brian for the very sweet and thoughtful comments you left to my poem. I truly appreciate!
Jo -
hanging my head in shame I don't actually recollect "The Giving Tree", so I can't comment on the relation to that (though Shel Silverstein is one heck of a poet, I think), but this is spectacular in it's own right. I've read your work before, and am always amazed at the way you make your words come alive...placing your emotions into the person reading. This, of course, is just another example of that wonderful talent you possess. Very well done. Beautifully written, and a treasure to of read. Thank you for entering this in my contest, and for allowing me the chance to read such wonderful feelings as the ones you have displayed in this poem.
Bravo!!!
Bestest of wishes
~Meli~ -
Excellent
This is an awesome poem i really enjoyed this read and glad you enterd into this contest too other wise i mayy have missed it good luck best wishes Brian. -
thank you so very much Sunset. I really appreciate your reading and comments to my poem. it's one of my personal favorite "babies" of my poetry catalogue here at AP and based on my most favorite books in the whole world!!!
thank you again!
Jo -
"weep a spring rain of tears" and the last two lines are very very nice. good luck in the contest. loved it
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thank you Book! I certainly agree as to Shel Silverstein. someone gave me the book, "The Giving Tree" when my daughter was an infant--(she'll be 25-years-old this coming week), and I have treasured it since. since that time I've read others of his books and poems...and one poem in particular, "The Boy and the Old Man" brings tears to my eyes every time.
thank you again your lovely comments to my poem. I truly appreciate!
Jo
Edited on Nov 25 because 'fingers typing faster than brain thinks or vice-versa...'. -
What a wonderful poem! While it is a lovely homage to a wonderful book by a poet I adore(Shel Silverstein), it also stands alone as a beautifully written poem that stands alone.
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I never realized this book was on any school's banned list. that's horrid. i never read it as a story of the man's greed, only as the tree's giving nature. it always felt like a story of unconditional and undying love to me. it's sad in the way it always makes me cry, but a happy-sad crying, you know?
thanks again, Mark for stopping by to read my poems. I really do appreciate!
Jo
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Ah, who doesn't love The Giving Tree? Such an inspired classic. Did you know it was on the on the L.A. County School District's "banned reading" list for many years? I never could find out why. I think they thought it taught children to be selfish, sort of like the man was in the story. The tree just kept giving and the man kept taking without gratitude. It's actually a very sad story, don't you think?
Anyway, I loved this poem, especially the last two lines -
your soft rustly laughter echoed in the faint summer breeze
and you embraced me with leafy arms.
Gorgeous!
Mark
Edited on Nov 09, 2:40 p.m. because ''. -
last but never least, I come to thank you Jeanette, but not only for the comment left to my poem, but primarily for being my special "giving tree" now and forever.
there is no loss for me if I've made a friend like you in my life. you're always there for me, never passing judgement--(except for an occasional OMG moment), and always willing to listen. thank you always and forever that...it means a lot to me and always will.
Jo -
thank you so much Doug. I really appreciate your insightful and thoughtful comments left to my poem.
Jo -
gosh Voronodwen, even if you just read it in the bookstore itself! Shel Silverstein's "The Giving Tree" is a story you'll never forget, I promise!
thank you for the very nice comment you left to my poem. I truly appreciate.
Jo -
thank you so much Princess! i truly appreciate the very sweet comment you left to my poem.
Jo -
I wouldn't want to rewrite that story Freddy! afterall, Shel Silverstein already wrote that story to perfection, and it was the inspiration for this poem. thank you for the applause-thingy and your very nice comments!
Jo -
thank you so much Lady. I really appreciate that even after initial "wariness" you came to read my poem and left such a sweet comment behind!
Jo -
isn't it a beautiful book Silver? I think as an adult you appreciate the simplicity and meaning of that story moreso. thank you for your wonderful comment to my poem, I really appreciate!
Jo -
thank you Willie. I really appreciate your very nice comments to my poem. the poem is about good friends, best friends, who stay with you through the seasons and the changes, and I wanted to depict that in the poem. thank you again!
Jo -
A lovely "prayer", Jo, and reminds me of Grandma Willow in the movie Pochahantas. Even more than "just" a tree are images of a higher power, attainable by us all, within which we can find the solace we often need in this world through the simple trust that this power is there.
Beautifully crafted.
peace
doug
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This is a beautiful piece. The imagery is wonderful. I've never read the original before, I think I'll have to take a look at it. You did a wonderful job!
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Jo--I absolutely love this--like a breath of fresh air, lovely and calming to read. Well done, it was a pleasure to read. shaz xx
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Nice Work
I like it but i thought it would be like the story called the giving tree??????????Well it's pretty good though so i'll appuded it kay kay Nice work!!!!-♥Freddy♥ -
beautifully written.
i love the original so i was wary reading this,but you did a fantastic job.
great job and i love the pic
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For shame! Riding on the success of another great work. Tsk, Tsk.
Gosh darn it, though, you did it justice. Simply because I like that book so much, and because you have managed to capture that spirit, I applaud your poem.
Favorite line : "You dropped a small blossom at my feet". So simple, but so effective. -
Wow! Using the seasons with your emotions is powerful stuff for sure. That in itself makes this poem one of a kind if I do say so myself. Great poem this was truly something special.
~Willie~ -
you're a good guy and good friend Jack, a giving tree for sure!I will always appreciate you...
Jo -
awww, I'm always your giving tree Mally and you know that! you never once came to chop me down...
thanks for reading and leaving your lovely comment to my poem.
Jo -
thank you Your Hine Us...you captured the essence of the poem so well and far better than I could have said it.
Jo -
Sweet poem we all need a giving tree one time or other,glad you had yours when it was need so much,again a sweet poem .
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awe jo jo....wanna be my giving tree?
...such a touching poem.....and things so touching to me are just as touching to my heart.....I love to feel the sensitiveness of my heart whimpering over the solitude of words gently blowing in a breathless emotional feel....you have done this very beautifully.....sweetie...
Huggs
Mal -
great
This poem shows so much emotion. I can feel the pain..and also the joy of friendship with one that knows what your pain..you are a wonderful write and know how to pull the reader into your mind..to feel what you fee to see what you see..I am in awe of your ability to produce such imagery.with your words..you my friend are an absolute poet at heart...Jack -
thank you so much for reading and leaving your lovely comment to my poem Andrew. I really do appreciate.
Jo -
awww Dragon...i feel those "leafy" arms too! thank you!
Jo -
How sweet! I open my arms wide with acceptance of this beautiful peice.
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This is a lovely poem that really tells the reader about the liberality of this giving tree to the readers.
Thank you for sharing with me on this site. -
No my dear thank you. Tis was a grand pleasure to read such a piece of poetic beauty.
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thank you Celtic...this is such an old poem of mine I almost forgot I had posted it here. thank you for giving it attention, I really do appreciate!
Jo -
A wonderful piece of poetry that vividly portrays the beauty of nature. I love nature and spend as much time as I can taking it in. You have done an amazing job with this piece.
Blessings
celticmoon -
that book is a very special one for me April. i'm sure it's special to you, too. i don't know about my poem being better than the book, but appreciate your comment and also that you like my poems. you're very sweet, and I do appreciate.
Jo -
i like all the poems you have very much and this one is the best. i read the book before and I know how its about the tree but your poem is even better. i like this poem very much.
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ever read the Shel Silverstein book, Noon? i know it's a children's book, but i still treasure my daughter's copy from years back. it's one of those stories you actually treasure more as an adult than a kid I think. check it out at the bookstore if you can...you don't even have to buy it, it's like an all-of-five-minute read, but a story you won't ever forget.
Jo -
that was really cool and cute
i enjoyed reading this poem
keep on writing Jo -
you definitely have to read this little children's book Lost--even if it's only at the bookstore! it's the simplest story really...but it reaches into you as an adult and stays there with you and never ever leaves!
Jo -
Excellent once again
Wonderful write. So emotional and has wonderful detailed description. I can only imagine what this book is about, as I have not read it as of yet. -
thank you silver for reading and making comment to my poem "the giving tree." I think if you read the book by this same title by Shel Silverstein you would understand the poem. it was actually the source of inspiration for the write. it's a children's book, and you could probably find a copy at any borner's or barnes and nobles and read it right in the store in all of five minutes. I know you'd enjoy and remember it!
Thanks again, I really do appreciate.
Jo -
Good work. I haven’t read the book and don’t really know what it’s about but your poem is beautiful. Nature can be very comforting and trees can almost become a figure of protection. I liked how you followed the seasons through each stanza. Thanks for entering.
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thank you suseann for taking the time to read and to comment. i do appreciate.
Jo -
thanks granny. and you've been writing some really good poetry out there! don't think some of us haven't noticed!
Jo -
hi Melph! that book was the inspiration for this poem. my very favorite book in the whole wide world--and I'm 50 years old! to think this book has been part of my life for almost half my life. I still have the copy from when my daughter was a baby. co-worker had given it me as a baby shower gift back then...and every time i read it again, i still cry a little. thanks for bringing those memories back again.
Edited on Sep 24, 9:48 p.m. because ''. -
thanks granny. and you've been writing some really good poetry out there! don't think some of us haven't noticed!
Jo -
This was strong on metaphoric adoration of a tree.Nature lover in this.Nice write.~~Suseann
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I had to click because this is the same title as my favorite children's stort, "The Givng Tree" by Shel Sylverstein. Your poem was a wonderful metaphor and beautifully written.
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Enjoyed this poem with seasons mentioned as the tree goes through it's cycle. Nice images written here.
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most excellent and best i've read here so far
just so you know i wanted to leave applause on this but AP isn't letting it pass. so instead of seven points wanna meet up for drinks instead? anywhere near Dulles? i work for the airline industry and travel quite a bit between EWR newark and
dulles. where you at in va?
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