Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, THE MESSAGE, by KALFUS KURTZ GUSLING


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

THE MESSAGE, by                    
First Line: The trees plunge deeply to the heart of things
Last Line: Will somewhere in their branches still live on.
Subject(s): Trees


The trees plunge deeply to the heart of things,
The trees point proudly to the heavenly blue.
In spring, I watch unfold the tiny wings
That, in the autumn, will float down to you.
What message have they gathered from the skies?
What prayer ascending from the darkened clay,
Thrills into life, with beauty none denies?
What necromancy bids our footsteps stay?

They stand beside the road and hold the hill;
They guard the meadow, bid rejoice, the plain;
And when the breath of drought is on them, still
They wait with patience for the coming rain.
All that a man might need of faith is here:
The seed, the sapling, and the pointing pine.
If only we, like trees, could banish fear,
Believing, after storms, the sun will shine!

Why should the cedar always peaceful seem?
Why should we feel the weeping willow's grief?
Why should their gentle voices bid us dream,
If dreams are not entangled in this leaf?
The trees were here so long before we came,
And will be here so long when we are gone,
We cannot doubt our dreams, with life aflame,
Will somewhere in their branches still live on.





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