Old Man Willow Tree

[David J Delaney]

Old Man Willow Tree

I watch young children running free
then climbing through a willow tree
and noisy laughter echoes loud
while long green tentacles enshroud.

Their joy then makes me reminisce
back to a time I fondly miss
a place that’s mostly thick and green,
a place where I could not be seen.

Just down the road not far from home
is where I’d like to go alone
and meet a friend that I knew there
a friend with long and thick green hair.

I’d weave my way in through the vines
until inside his warm confines,
yes old man willow was my friend
and on his branches I’d ascend.

Cocooned within his foliage thick
away from drab arithmetic,
away from teachers and the grind,
a world I could leave far behind.

Within this labyrinth of limbs,
complete with many Tarzan swings,
I’d stay for hours by myself
pretending sometimes I’m an elf.

Or be like brave old Jungle Jim
while standing high upon a limb.
A pirate on the ocean blue
who hunts for treasure with his crew.

Then sometimes a french musketeer
who’s dashing and so cavalier,
or Zorro would at times appear
and fight then laugh and often cheer.

I’d smell the freshness of the grass
a feeling not much could surpass
except a shower of some rain
where I’d stay dry beneath his frame.

Great times were had but as I grew
my visits, they became so few,
for life would change in many ways
all through those lazy summer days.

My childhood haven has long gone
but memories they linger on
of hugging old man willow tree
and how he always sheltered me

David J Delaney
03/09/2011 ©

[Heather]

A lovely reflection on childhood Dave. Enjoyed the read. Made me smile.

Heather

[Bob Pacey]

Amazeing where the inspiration comes from Dave.

Memories are never lost when transcribed into poetry.


Cheers Bob

[mummsie]

I love the way you describe the Willow tree. I have always considered them a rather sad tree, because of their weeping habit. After reading this I will probably look at them in a different light in the future. Enjoyed the read David.

Sue

[Maureen K Clifford]

Love the recapturing of childhood memories in Tarzan and your French musketeer and Zorro - times were much simpler for kids I think back then. A kindred soul Dave - another tree hugger. Great poem.

Cheers

Maureen

[Dave Smith]

Good one David J.

[David J Delaney]

Thank you Heather, Bob, Sue, Maureen & Dave, much appreciated.