Catch the wind – Writers House Review

The fallen tree by the riverbanks.

It tried to catch the wind but failed.

Could it be the weakness of its stem?

The white bird flies around its fallen roots,

A tall friend has once gone… Or now short.

What must now happen to the fallen?

They spread roots.

The fallen tree takes on a new shape. It will not wait for the old.

It creates something unique in its place.

But fallen tree, must your roots take up so much space?

Must you extend them so wide into the river?

Can you just let the river flow!

Fallen tree, must you be so blatant?

Is this why you did not catch the wind?

You desire attention, don’t you?

Did your expectations lead you here, tree?

Did you know this is the path you would choose?

Now you must think it was better to stay with no expectations.

Tree, the birds use you as a short stool to watch the river.

It bothers me.

Tree, does it not bother you? Will you ever rise again?

I now see the new sprouts by your sides.

I walked by there to check on you, my friend!

The beauty of your new self.

Tree, you amaze me.

Beryl Zonese is a chemistry major in the class of 2024. Her hometown is Atlanta, Georgia.

Professor Hughes selected this poem for inclusion in WHR.