Deserted, severed tree trunk
Shattered by storms long ago
Splitting this giant in two
Forsaken now in its woes
Nature’s hand calling the shots
Drawing dark cards from the deck
Standing alone, slowest death
Trying to salvage this wreck
Deformed snag appears lifeless
Yet, God calls this wildlife tree
Standing proudly, still on watch
Nature’s snack bar waits for free
Living nearby, log still lives
Covered with lichens and moss
Home for God’s smallest creatures
Termites, beetles . . . march across
Jagged stump remains on guard
Below the ground, roots still thrive
Life holds on, another year
Perseverance to survive
Around the dark, scuttled tree
Racing to reach sunlight first
Young saplings growing skyward
Cycle of life, marked to burst
All of the photographs were taken at Chestnut Ridge Metro Park, which is located just outside of Canal Winchester, Ohio. I frequently walk this park during the fall, spring, and summer months with an occasional hike in the wintertime.
Big Sky Buckeye 
Beautiful poem and photos revealing the Lord’s bounty in things that “appear” without usefulness. A wonderful message. Thank you!😊
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Susan, your perspective always adds another dimension to my poetry. Thanks for continuing to share it. God’s peace!
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My pleasure. It is your poetry that includes the depth that makes those dimensions possible. Thank you!!
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We can all take lessons from this stump. We all need to have “Perseverance to survive” – and thrive – and leave behind us a feast for those who follow! Bless you, {{{Richard}}} – this was beautiful!!
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Jan, I appreciate your rich thoughts. I walk this park frequently, and the stumps or snags always seem to be reaching out to me. May you and your loved ones continue to be blessed and healthy.
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And I return those good wishes to you. Thanks bunches! 😍
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some beautiful phrases in this wonderful poem:
“nature’s snack bar”, “cycle of life, marked to burst”
well done, Richard!
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Jim, your words are very appreciated. I walk this park frequently, and the stumps or snags speak to me often.
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you have strong powers of observation, and then a wonderful ability to put those observations into words…
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I like the way this poem starts in sadness and then ends with the stump being glorious! It’s all in the way you look at it. 🙂
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Indeed Susan! You have discovered one of my favorite writing ploys. If I start with something filled with darkness and sadness, the ending has to be a whole lot better. Take care and stay safe!
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