Willing Willow
by
Mary -BrytEyz- Ball
(Age: 39)
copyright 07-11-2001 Contest Winner
Age Rating: 10 to 127
Picture Credits:
Willows bend in the storm, and thus outlast many "Stronger" trees. As I sat at the edge of the pond, I gazed at the weeping tree, I realized then that my mother is a willow ...
Willing Willow
by Mary Ball
April 7, 2001
This is an answer to the Tree Story Challenge
By Van Waffle of TS
My mother's inner strength amazes me time and again. I often see others take her crying or giving in as weakness, when it really is a sign of her strength. She chooses her battles carefully and thus most often wins them when she does in fact choose to fight. She has the strength to give in and the wisdom to know when to. As I sat at the edge of the pond, about to drift off for a cozy summer nap, I gazed at the weeping tree, I realized that my mother is a willow ...
Silently in a field
I see a tree a swaying
It's graceful movements
brushing children playing
Whipping them at times
on the backside of their pants
adding to the moment
of exculpated dance
The longer I watched
the more I began to see
There was a woman there
looking back at me
The diamonds in her bark
were staring thru my soul
Adding to the moment
making me feel whole
The willow took on airs
and resembled someone I knew
Or perhaps she reminded me
of something someone drew
I couldn't quite place it
until I saw her weeping
Then memories from my past
slowly started creeping
She seemed to smile then
as I saw now who she was
And She sighed with relief
as only a mother does
I smiled back to her
to let her know I knew
Then my own tears fell
awe struck thru and thru
My mother is a willow
Standing in the field
Facing off society
giving in she yields
She bowed to the landlord
who kicked us to the street
She turns from the gaze
of scoffers that we meet
Winds of persecution
whip her branches about
She's silently defiant
her pain refuses to shout
Prejudice bends her over
dignity's on the ground
She cries falling leaves
and scatters them around
Still I think she's strong
in the end, she's standing
And humbly accepting
the crumbs that they're handing
Sharing them with children
who but vaguely grasp her
Knowing only of her love
as they hug and clasp her
Then before I drifted off
to a land of semblant dreams
Escaping horrible humanity
and wicked infernal schemes
A breeze bent her over close
to whisper in my ear
This is what she cited
I heard it loud and clear...
"I'm a willow in the field
standing forever softly
Mothers come to discipline
peeling branches off me
Loungers come here for my shade
To sit and enjoy the view
And yet I stand here thinking
Of the message I want to tell you
Those foolish oaks, they laughed
when In the wind I bent
When I needed them to listen
their heart nor ears were lent
I wanted to be somehow
included in this life
but the storm of tribulation
delivered only strife
they were stubborn and so cold
they cared not for what I felt
they stood firm into the storm
While I gave in, bent and knelt
They laughed upon my weakness
and mistook my giving in
not seeing it was meekness
not believing that I'd win
Who was stronger in the end?
You can't break in two you know
When you're willing to be bent,
openly cry, and go with the flow
Now in the field I still stand
with my branches flowing freely
The oak's been cut and stacked up high
Very organized and neatly
When their remains are burning
and floating ashes creeping
I'll try to stop the hurting
and hide sympathetic weeping
For I've been told that babies cry
and I shouldn't let it out
But who's the one still standing
I so bitterly cried out!"
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Hi Mary, I haven't been on PNP in a long time and I just stopped by to visit some of my old pals. What a delight to find this wonderful piece of work. Miss ya. Take care and Have fun. Steve
Richard: (Grateful Grin) Thank you, Richard. How many times can I possibly thank you for each of your heartfelt comments? How many ways can I express my gratitude? (Sigh) You are the best! Glad you liked it. :-)
David: Wow, it takes a LOT to make YOU speechless! LOL/JK. And that was a nice story about the willow when you were a child. I had no idea they took root so easily. Funny how easily they take hold, and how firmly they keep hold. Eh? Sounds like my mother alright! LOL. And I'm glad you enjoyed the poem. I know when I've earned 5 flower points of praise from you... I've really accomplished something!
Jenna: I'm always glad when you stop by. Thank you!
Emily: I hope you and your mother have become friends by now and anytime you want to talk, just feel free to email me!
Paula: Though praise points are not necessary, they're always appreciated! And I guess you were right... it DID win the contest. LOL.
Gregory: Just wanted to thank you again for your warm words of praise. I realize you hardly ever rate something 5 Flower Points... and I'm honored!
Nothing I can add to what everyone said before, except I wish that I had been the first to say it. In the vernacular of the age, it's truly "awesome". The metaphor is brilliant and well maintained with good rhymes, good pattern and good rhythm. Who could ask for more. Well, I could wish that, I had written it.
I'm speechless. What a wonderful comparison of a mother's love and strength, to that of a willow. I remember once when I was young, my father was clearing some trees and brush around our very large yard. He cut down a small weeping-willow that was in the wrong place a the wrong time. I remember him taking one of the branches and throwing it like a spear across to the back corner of the property. It hit the ground and stuck in the ground, somewhat on an angle. Dad just left it like that (it was in a corner, out of the way, by the back lane). Well, I'm sure you guessed it; the willow rooted. Three years later we had the most beautiful weeping-willow tree in that corner of the yard.
it's a good poem i like it im glad you told me to read it, thanks...maybe one dat me and mum will be friends but it wont be soon, but thanks for helping me understand a little more, you're a really good writer ^-^`
c ya round
Emy
Wow, this is strong and emotion-filled. this is basically a great write, and I'm sure that it will will the contest. Great job, your mother must have had tears in her eyes if you read it to her. I know my mother would.
One other thing I forgot to mention. The snapshot of the bar reminds me of The Grill - a bar I used to go to in Pella Iowa! Who are the people at the table?
Mary: this is a wonderfully structured and deeply moving piece. It moves gracefully explaining the struggles and hardships so eloquently and I adore the personification. You've accomplished that so skillfully, and I am very much impressed. i rarely give such high ratings, but this is a masterpiece of style and content.
Karen: The "switch" as we called it, or the good ole' wooden spoon. Yes, they showed that Ma' meant bi'ness! *smiles in memory* Funny how we respect them so much for being so strict and stern. We never questioned their love though, not ever! I love my mother and I'm so glad I have told her time and again. When she leaves us, I know I've done all I could to let her know. I'll know she knew she was loved. She cried a lot when she read this poem.
Betty: My mother will always be with me because she is in me. Most of what I am is from her. I've learned so much in life. I was the only girl in highschool that would admit being friends with my mom. *smile* She was great! She is even better now! *grin* We still sing at least once a week together in karaoke. Which btw, she has made the finals and will be singing at the Barry County fair here in Michigan tonight. Wooo hooo! You go mom! *Cheesy grin*
Beverly: I couldn't have found a better illustration to portray my mother, I don't think. It embodies all I see in her. *grin* You know, we have a friend that can't read very well. My mom, being the caring heart that she is, offered to read all my work for him on tape so he can play it whenever he wants to. She had to stop a few times while reading this, and many times while reading my series "A Phoenix Of Sorts". She's an amazing woman and I'm honored to be her daughter! She is a miracle, she is a gift from God, she IS magical!
Thanks once more all for reading and commenting. You've made my day.
Lovely tribute to your mother. Weeping willows were always magical to me, a place for imagination to thrive inside the drooping branches. Sounds like your mother was magical to you.
What a lovely tribute to a wonderful woman, the lessons you have taken from her are invaluable. So comforting to know she will always be with you, if only in your heart.
Welcome !
Contest Winner
