Be a Willow

Summary

The website content is a reflective poem titled "Be a Willow," written by Jenine Bsharah Baines for her son, using the willow tree as a metaphor for resilience and adaptability in the face of life's challenges.

Abstract

"Be a Willow" is a poignant poem that serves as a metaphorical guide for the author's son on how to navigate life's trials with grace and flexibility. The willow tree, known for its ability to bend without breaking, symbolizes the strength found in embracing change and letting go of resistance. The poem encourages embracing emotions and learning from them, suggesting that tears and hardships can nourish one's growth, much like a willow is nourished by the elements. It also touches on the importance of self-care and inner strength, likening the speaker's own need for resilience to that of their child. The poem was inspired by a prompt from Jean Carfantan, "Trim the Sails," which the author interprets as the need to cut away resistance in life. The piece concludes with a quote from Eckhart Tolle on surrendering to life and a thank you to the readers for their support.

Opinions

The author, Jenine Bsharah Baines, conveys a personal connection to the poem, having written it as a response to a conversation with her son that left her feeling inadequate.
The willow tree is used as a powerful symbol of flexibility and strength, suggesting that yielding to life's circumstances can be more effective than resisting them.
The poem expresses the belief that emotional expression, such as crying, is a source of wisdom and renewal, rather than something to be ashamed of.
The author emphasizes the importance of self-care and inner nurturing, comparing it to the way a dryad (tree nymph in Greek mythology) would care for the tree's well-being.
The mention of "Trim the Sails" implies that life requires us to make adjustments, much like trimming sails to navigate the winds effectively.
The inclusion of Eckhart Tolle's quote reinforces the poem's theme of acceptance and the benefits of aligning oneself with the flow of life.
The author expresses gratitude to her readers, indicating a sense of community and shared journey in her writing.

A prompted poem for my son

The willow tree is one of the few trees that is capable of bending in outrageous poses without snapping. Dixie Brown, Willow Place for Women

Be a willow Embrace rather than brace Drop every leaf of resistance, allowing the storm to shape you – the winds and waves, compass choreographer

Weep when Spirit prompts Without shame, tears feeding your roots like robins — arias of wisdom and renewal — feeding their young. Even now, you are dancing

your arms arcs de triomphe, at the ready to engage in exultant pas de deux with the world, sheltering others but first, the dryad leavening your bark

from the raw, blistering sunburn of disbelief, despair, an irreparably broken heart

I began this poem after a phone call with my son left me feeling like I’d blown it. Not because of what I said but what I hadn’t.

Oh, thank you, Muse, yet again. I wound up ‘sheltering’ not only my baby but my own ‘dryad.’

Thank you, Jean Carfantan, for the prompt “Trim the Sails.” What do we often need to ‘trim’ from our lives? Resistance.

Be a Willow

A prompted poem for my son

“Surrender to what is. Say ‘yes’ to life — and see how life suddenly starts working for you rather than against you.” Eckhart Tolle

Trim the Sails

Poetic French expression for “tighten the purse strings”

About Me — Jenine Bsharah Baines

Take a walk with me…