I want to be a tree when I grow up

Posted on 2021-07-19 by Bartholomew Barker

I want to be a tree when I grow up

Nothing ostentatious
I don’t want to be a sequoia
or have some historical significance
no proclamations in my honor
signed by the governor

Just a regular tree in the woods
unfurling my leaves
in the warm spring
dropping them in autumn
when they become too showy

Maybe an ash— tall with smooth gray bark
and hard wood— deep roots holding me fast
entwined with the Earth and old
so old I don’t even notice the days
or the birds nesting in my hair

But I’m just a short soft human
a dandelion dreaming of a sunflower

(For today’s Living Poetry Prompt.)

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About Bartholomew Barker

Bartholomew Barker is an organizer of Living Poetry, a collection of poets in the Triangle region of North Carolina where he has hosted a monthly feedback workshop for more than decade. His first poetry collection, Wednesday Night Regular, written in and about strip clubs, was published in 2013. His second, Milkshakes and Chilidogs, a chapbook of food inspired poetry was served in 2017. He was nominated for a Pushcart Prize in 2021. Born and raised in Ohio, studied in Chicago, he worked in Connecticut for nearly twenty years before moving to Hillsborough where he lives and writes poetry.
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24 Responses to I want to be a tree when I grow up

  1. JeanMarie's avatar JeanMarie says:
    2021-07-19 at 22:25

    Awwww, That is a sweet ending.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  2. Lisa Tomey-Zonneveld's avatar Lisa Tomey says:
    2021-07-20 at 16:12

    Look at you, using all the prompts! And a beautiful poem, as well.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  3. BookWorm's avatar BookWorm says:
    2021-07-21 at 04:37

    It’s so beautifully written! You have got deep expression, just loved your writing style. Glad to have found your blog :)

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  4. Cassa Bassa's avatar Cassa Bassa says:
    2021-07-21 at 09:23

    Oh I love this poem! I must say I fell in love with this poem. 💚

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  5. Mother Wintermoon's avatar Mother Wintermoon says:
    2021-07-26 at 17:05

    Lovely!!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  6. Didier Beaugrand's avatar Didier Beaugrand says:
    2021-08-05 at 00:25

    Very nice reflective lines.🙏

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  7. Karima Hoisan's avatar Karima Hoisan says:
    2021-08-11 at 13:52

    But…it’s OK to dream Bartholomew, and yours is very beautiful:) 🌲🌴🌳

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  8. equipsblog's avatar equipsblog says:
    2021-08-13 at 09:04

    Very sweet poem with a soft ending. Nice!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

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