Summary

The text is a poetic reflection on the strength and solitude of an oak tree, used as a metaphor for the enduring and sheltering nature of the author's love.

Abstract

In response to a poetry challenge by Tapan Avasthi, the author pens a narrative about the profound impact of an oak tree. The tree, standing alone and massive, symbolizes resilience and dignity, having endured time and hardship. It serves as a home and shelter for various creatures, much like how the author's love provides refuge and strength to the narrator's dreams. The poem suggests that love, like the oak, must be nurtured and trusted to grow, casting out darkness with sunlight and fostering boldness in life. The piece concludes with an acknowledgment of the reader's engagement and reveals that the verses are an excerpt from a larger work titled "The Bench."

Opinions

The author admires the oak tree for its steadfastness and the shelter it provides, drawing a parallel to the protective and nurturing aspects of love.
The oak tree is personified as a sentinel of honor, suggesting a deep respect for nature and its silent wisdom.
The poem conveys a sense of awe at the oak's ability to withstand harsh conditions, likening it to the challenges faced in love and life.
The author expresses gratitude for the reader's attention, indicating a humble appreciation for the audience's engagement with their work.
There is an underlying belief in the power of love to overcome adversity, with love being portrayed as a shield against doubt and a source of strength.

I Sheltered Below an Oak Tree

Response to Tapan Avasthi poetry challenge.

I have taken a liberty on the poetry challenge, though not a poem on flowers, it was the object of nature that gripped me this morning.

An oak standing alone waved to me,

I was passing merrily on my way.

It had stood for decades resolutely

Welcoming the sunrise to each passing day.

Branches unfurled, it stood massive

Honored and majestic in presence.

Time’s dignity, nurtured and passive,

Lay ingrained in every bud and essence.

A hovered eagle lazed high over the oak

Wafting motionless on the sultry breeze.

As sentinel it watched, of honor it spoke,

Crying the oak’s solitude to other trees.

Through drought and storm, it withstood thunder,

Brave, alone, refusing to bend.

It endured the axe-man’s plunder,

Alone these hardships it did contend.

The course to confound such pain

Was to provide home, shelter to give.

Never wavering under the tumult and strain,

So that God’s creatures may live.

So too your love has sheltered my dream

And acted as my heart’s shield,

To silence the doubts who at me scream,

But your love refused me to yield.

Like the bough of my staunchest soul

You support, so my dreams do hold.

To you my heart I give control,

So that our lives may grow bold.

In you my trust, like oak, must grow

Flowing freely without doubt.

With seeds of sunlight life you sew,

And nurture sunshine, to see darkness out.

Thanks for reading

Extract from, The Bench a poetic delusion.