by William Dotani
Member since:
October 27, 2006

A Willow Bough

March 25, 2009 03:47 AM EDT
views: 160 | comments: 32

The storm blew in across the waters
Gusts hinted, acceleration brewed
Lone willow, drooping branches, drink in
Temptation flowed, upon fair breezes
Playfully glide with such defenses
As came to pass, impression pasted

That was yesteryear, today I find
So clear such image, taps me shoulder
Hot and humid gauntlet, path of fate
Something differed in old Willow's gait
In the jangle hanging, broken bough
Surrounded by friendly branches gown

Sighed compassion, the limb seemed silent
Without remedy, steps left with doubt
Without limits, visits that Summer
The broken bough remained and retained
Patches of silky green melodies
Such frailty, waving so boldly

Sentimental redeemer is time
Remembered rhapsody, fair willow
Weeks and months, music played, winding vine
Acceptance, warnings and tasks lasting
As fierce storm roared, violence crackled
Afterward, no broken bough was found 

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Comments: 32

Mornin',

You're awake too? Another piece of excellence from you -- I come here to drool over your word use. I almost missed this and then, that bookmarky thing wouldn't let me type here, why? It wouldn't go away! I'm not delicious. Or Digg it. And I don't Twitter. I occasionally stumble, but I didn't think I should click that.

Marilyn
William Dotani Mar 25, 2009, 5:04am EDT
I'm quite tired. I was a bit unsure if I should post this.
Linda T. Mar 25, 2009, 5:36am EDT
That broken willow branch reminds me of the trials of life. Time passes and things seem to remain the same then a storm sweeps through and something you relied on as a constant is suddenly gone.
Time withers everything but love. Look back only with love at love at let the rest wither into the dust.
Svetlana Goryacheva Mar 25, 2009, 6:42am EDT
Absolutely loved this, dear Bill! And why only that immortal melody from Verdi's opera resounds in my mind? :-)

Blessings and best wishes - S.
Kushal Poddar Mar 25, 2009, 6:43am EDT
This is vivid. Still there is a dash of tiredness in this poem..."the limb seemed silent
Without remedy"

The trainer
Kimberly Ripley Mar 25, 2009, 7:18am EDT
Ah, yes....we do bend, but seldom break!
JOHN BECK Mar 25, 2009, 7:33am EDT
I'm getting older too, Bill. I just won't admit it.
Nancy L. Mar 25, 2009, 7:57am EDT
Sometimes wise old willows just need a little sprucing up and some TLC to be good as new!
Paula Love Mar 25, 2009, 8:15am EDT
why would you not post this? As always your words bring out the thinking part of my brain. Very nice William!
The cycles of life you've beautifylly wrapped around this poetic form~
Crystal Scordias Mar 25, 2009, 3:20pm EDT
There is not much to say about something so masterfully crafted, other than I appreciated it and the figurative meanings are not beyond me...
Donald M. Mar 25, 2009, 5:20pm EDT
A 10 for you
Becky L. Mar 25, 2009, 5:42pm EDT
Its purpose was served - finally - and then it was taken to soar in the wind and find an exciting new place to settle.... WONDERFUL, as USUAL!
Marge H. Mar 25, 2009, 6:18pm EDT
You often write about the cycles of life and I always enjoy it when you do.
John F Walter Mar 25, 2009, 6:32pm EDT
I like the use of the willow bough for both literal and metaphorical purposes, William. The speaker´s relationship to his memory of the ¨bough that broke¨ is the key to the poem, as if he´s trying to overcome death´s lullaby through a revisiting of the stroke that lopped off the limb.

Subtle. Intriguing. Need I say, Robert Frost comes to mind?
Excellent William. The willow has always been a favourite tree of mine. Do you know the tale behind "The weeping willow"
Donna C. Mar 25, 2009, 10:00pm EDT
Very good William.......
Elsie Duggan Mar 26, 2009, 12:19am EDT
Where I live , the entry road has a pond that is lined with weeping willows, they are the most graceful things, and even in the fall, when they have lost their leaves, and look bare, you know that spring will bring new seeds to blossom and the willow will weep the green seeds into the water, making it almost look solid, I am always amazed when I go past that pond in the spring, beautiful poem about stages of life William, I think I am nearing the lightning strike stage, and poof , no more, I can't bend much further.
Sheila Deeth Mar 26, 2009, 1:13am EDT
When the bough bends... I love willows.
William Dotani Mar 26, 2009, 2:04am EDT
John Walter has explained my truest meaning much better than I could. Thank You John.
Bhawana 'Gather Proud Mom' Mar 26, 2009, 12:00pm EDT
all about loving and remembering...wow!
Bhawana 'Gather Proud Mom' Mar 26, 2009, 12:00pm EDT
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Marianne M. Mar 26, 2009, 10:22pm EDT
This is an amazing poem, Bill ... I can't believe you were unsure about posting it! You blow me away with your creative skill.
Lisa Frost Mar 27, 2009, 2:42am EDT
by learning to bend we gain in strength! wonderful!
Sandy C. Mar 27, 2009, 8:47am EDT
That was wonderful. Thanks for sharing.
Selene N. Mar 28, 2009, 10:49pm EDT
Very nice.
Debra H. Mar 29, 2009, 7:44am EDT
Excellent as always William
Jennifer aka Jenn B. Mar 29, 2009, 3:16pm EDT
some ...just bend with more grace....
Tracy Fabre Mar 30, 2009, 11:04pm EDT
"Patches of silky green melodies" -- I do love that line
Michelle W. Apr 3, 2009, 8:26pm EDT
William ... outstanding. While there are many aspects I could comment on, I want to just thank you for taking me back to younger (much younger) days, when we played in the Weeping Willow, tying her leaves together to hide in homemade forts, reveling in the summer heat, the fall coolness, and the spring green ... Thank you!

Thanks for posting in Journey Into Poetry !

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