I open my palm
and the fingers extend
spreading like a sycamore leaf
and veined in the same way:
this palm, this hand
has held hands tinier
more delicate than palmate leaves
yet with a grip
infinitely strong
we call a grasping reflex
literally clinging for dear life
with all our might
until the time we must learn to let go.
I will not let go my grip when we’re near the road
or by the train tracks
until you grow to recognise the boundary lines
between safety and danger.
I open my palm
hold it flat, against yours
measuring the distance
the similarity, the difference:
networks of blood vessels, arteries,
capillaries
are the rivers running through us
and the veins run deep
as in the forest
the trees’ networked roots
combine to form
a symbiotic organism
‘we murder to dissect’* and name ourselves
as separate forms, and separate from
these trees.
© 2022 experimentsinfiction.com. All Rights Reserved.
*quote from Wordsworth’s ‘The Tables Turned‘
Written for earthweal’s challenge ‘Everything in the forest is the forest.’
A beautiful analogy, Ingrid. 💙
I agree with Merril, you have used a beautiful analogy to describe the symbiotic relationship. ❤️
Thank you Punam 🙏
So profound 👏👏
Thank you 🙏
You’re welcome 😃
This is gorgeous Ingrid.
“we murder to dissect’* and name ourselves
as separate forms, and separate from
these trees.”
Thank you Gabriela 😊🙏
Beautifully expressed Ingrid.
Thank you Marion 🙏
Wonderful writing again, young lady 💖
Thank you Hobbo!
You’re welcome
I am loving the dual feeling of connection I feel in this; I experience both the nature of the trees and the nature of our bodies and find in both forms of connectivity a similar art! Lovely. <3
I am glad you felt those connections upon reading this, Jaya: thank you!
The connection (and divide) you have crafted between a strong mother’s hand and our loosening grip on Mother Nature is astute.
Thank you, Michele: that is the sense I was aiming for 😊
This is beautiful and makes me think how our lungs and the arteries etc are so similar to a tree’s. And a woman’s uterus is in the shape of a tree also. Fascinating. I love the lines about holding on till your child is old enough to understand danger and safety. What we dont always know when they are small is that the teen years are the most dangerous of all. Hold tight.
Thank you, Sherry: I understand. And then we must let go, even when we feel like holding on!
wow Ingrid. Powerful imagery and I so felt this poem in my body…. so visceral!
nicely done! 💖🙏🙏👏👏 💔
I am glad you liked it Cindy! 🍁 ❤️🙏
It was poignant! 💕
The hand is such a powerful symbol. All we touch touches us back. (K)
Thank you – that is so very true.
This is a gorgeous expression of the illusion and the reality of life. How wonderful it is, Ingrid. I love this poem! 🌲🙏
An excellent probing into the way we have been taught to think we are separate from nature. You express it so poetically.
Thank you Suzanne.
I love the connections you make here, Ingrid – hands, leaves, trees, rivers…there are echoes everywhere.
Thank you, Sarah: when I manage to slow down, I can hear them!
A lovely uniting of humanity and trees. I love the unfolding of the similarities, the revelation.
Thank you, I’m glad you enjoyed this 😊
Sycamores are one of the few tree species in Florida which drop all their leaves in winter and re-leaf about two months later – our only true sign of spring — and their leaves are such handfuls of glory. Palm to leaf here the forest imparts its wisdom into human love and domains. Well done Ingrid, very deeply felt.
Thank you Brendan – all signs of spring are welcome.
This is fantastic work/play, Ingrid: from the shape to the table; a round of applause!
Thank you Nick 🙏
This empathetic poem speaks of protecting both children and trees. We are connected to both of them and should assume responsibility for their welfare. Love it, Ingrid! <3
Thank you Cheryl! ❤️
Your words are a blessing to us all. You speak for me. I see this one being included in the revised volume of The Anthropocene Hymnal. Yup. Tremendous. Thanks for sharing.
On a different note: allow me to butt in here to give you the heads up that you got (well it’s pending still) one more book review on Amazon. Just sayin’
Thanks for all you do. Respecting the aura I feel. Be well. xoxo
Thank you so much Selma, I appreciate you! 🤗❤️🙏
A beautiful impassioned piece. Artfully crafted.
Thank you Jude!
Nicely done, the big hand, little hand, leaf. What if there was another way to stay related with a softer grip, a grip of comfort and safety for all?
Thanks Susan! In a way, that’s what I was getting at: the newborn baby’s grip is so delicate, and yet so strong…
What a lovely piece Ingrid. I really enjoyed the way you wrapped yourself in the connection of your little ones, their small hands, and the trees. It was a very lovely read, thank you. Hugs, Joni
Thank you Joni 🥰
My pleasure. ❤️