The Energy Behind Constant Upkeep
The Energy Behind Constant Upkeep
I. Constant Upkeep
This constant upkeep
carries a dangerous toll
against our instinct.
Gaze at a tortoise
to gather every detail
think on the mystery.
Hide within shelter
without exiting for sun
builds anxiety.
When the frost seems thick
when Autumn turns to winter
find comfort in cold.
One can walk outside
nurture the slow growth of plants
experience life.
From green to light brown
then falling into barren
where the wren still play.
II. Instead We Just Stare
Instead we just stare
at the walls we have built
to hide fall colors.
To wake at sunrise
the purple and orange times
lost in moments.
Is it through our fear
that we hide from the beauty
that sits at our feet.
As light fills my room
remember light through the trees
remember old times.
III. Never a Barefoot
Never a barefoot
to feel energy from earth
dig toes in our place.
These forgotten pots
are writing lost poetry
about the flower.
To wander outside
to peer into the white clouds
remember sky blue.
Let the ant slow down
to stop his hurried pacing
an empire will fall.
IV. Remember the Importance of Roots
Under minerals
within a labored burrow
a strength in trees grip.
The deeper the root
the taller the Lodgepole Pine
grows through heat of fire.
Transplanted sapling
hardly have roots to hang on
only home loose soil.
Our mobility
caused by our two moving feet
always brings us back.
Sometimes branches fall
protective bark may hold wounds
within woods stand strong.
V. Invisible Roots
Invisible roots
a sense of place to the lost
embedded in soil.
Terra Firma pots
have filled with crystals of snow
now will gently melt.
The higher tree grows
towards the sky, the sun, the stars,
the deeper the roots.
This ground seems shallow
to not allow roots to grow
deep in local earth.
VII. After Disaster
After disaster
a grip on land in our hope
for a fresh new start.
To dig with fingers
until stopped by the winter’s
frozen solid ground.
To nourish the land
the land that we trod daily
make our roots solid.
Remember keyhole
soil with constant compost leech
roots burrow deeper.
More then memory
our branches know the clean air
importance of root.
- Dream of Basho’s Garden - May 30, 2023
- Wendell Berry Haiku - May 15, 2023
- Bird Path of Swann Lake - May 1, 2023
An interesting journey mother nature spins from soil, root, growth and steadfastness. To watch every speck of life taking root in some form or other. Isn’t life so amazing as it grows in so many forms. I love the balance you give to these verses Jamie, a constant change, yet a struggle to survive. I’m amazed by Gods’ finger caressing the earth, making perfection more perfect with each passing season.
Jamie, your skill with words in your Haiku poetry is wonderful. I really enjoy it all, especially this,
“The higher tree grows
towards the sky, the sun, the stars,
the deeper the roots.”
for I see a deep meaning in it. Beautiful work, dear friend.
Ahh Jamie , I do love nature , Often my wife and others wish I’d join them in church and I have to explain , I would rather speak to God outdoors in the woods , in the awesome labor of beautiful gardens , down beside the many rivers of my life , awesome writing my friend , Please keep it up !……..:-]
Nature and I have always walked hand in hand. Reading your poetry has done it justice in my eyes Jaime. Very much enjoyed.
Thank you all for your kind comments I hope you are all well. Jamie