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.)

About Bartholomew Barker

Bartholomew Barker is one of the organizers of Living Poetry, a collection of poets and poetry lovers in the Triangle region of North Carolina. Born and raised in Ohio, studied in Chicago, he worked in Connecticut for nearly twenty years before moving to Hillsborough where he makes money as a computer programmer to fund his poetry habit.
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24 Responses to I want to be a tree when I grow up

  1. JeanMarie says:
    2021/07/19 at 22:25

    Awwww, That is a sweet ending.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  2. 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 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 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 says:
    2021/07/26 at 17:05

    Lovely!!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  6. Didier Beaugrand says:
    2021/08/05 at 00:25

    Very nice reflective lines.🙏

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  7. 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 says:
    2021/08/13 at 09:04

    Very sweet poem with a soft ending. Nice!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

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