Finally! You have posted this beautiful poem! When I read this in Andrea's contest it just won me over. There's just so much I love about it. I think the repetition of you were old really works here...it seems to emphasize what else you are saying in each stanza. I was also waiting to see which genre you posted it in because, although the focal point is the tree this could also be a metaphor for a grandparent perhaps. That is why I love it so much...stunning write and, most definately nominated!

Hello,

This really is a wonderful piece of poetry and one that I would add my own nomination to if I had any votes left!
I see below the metaphor for the grandmother and it certainly works well on that level, however, I like the idea that a human can show so much empathy towards a tree so I'm sticking with that.
Wonderful. All the very best,
Ben

God, Liz....you have blown me away with this.
It is uncanny to realize these detached and and resigned words come from such a young woman...

Your dad:(

Well done, girl!

Love always,

Ingrid

This is beautiful written I don't know what else to say.Add to my favorite.

Feels like it's been forever since I've left a comment on one of your poems. I really love this poem, especially since it's a metaphorical piece, applicable to both nature and humans, you paint life in a beautiful fragile manner, which it is. Now that I think about it, I think I'm a real sucker for your perspective pieces, this reminded me slightly of your other poem, Wildfire, which I absolutely love. beautiful piece!

Well done on this poem. I too was glad when you decided to post this following Andrea's contest.

Congratulations.

Take care,

Michael

Congratulations on your win - fully deserved with this wonderful piece.
Best wishes,
Ben

Congrats on the win!

Well deserved win, dear girl xx

Love always,
Ingrid

Congrats on the win.Well deserved

All I can say is my mind is in love with your words.

Judging comment:

This is an exquisite piece, although it's originally written for an old tree that was cut down during the author's childhood (as noted by a comment), it's applicable for a lot of other life forms - people and animals. The repetition was not distracting, and served to build up this notion that its death was fine, but the last verse was a welcomed ending that did a 180 with the last verse. This piece is the epitome of a double entendre and it was executed extremely well! Penmanship at it's finest. (10 pts)

Amazing. This tree was a part of the family. Very sad and will written. Congrats on the win- very deserving of it.

I work at a small arboretum with trees that are over 800 years old.
They are twisted and ravaged by storm and weather, but they are beautiful.
And fantastic eco-systems in themselves.
Nice ink :)
PPx