Join the Neopoet online poetry workshop and community to improve as a writer, meet fellow poets, and showcase your work. Sign up, submit your poetry, and get started.
Accommodations
The tree is probably much older
than the neighborhood around it
A sage of the community
from all it has witnessed
It began life long before property lines,
homes and city codes were in place
Modern contrivances unheeded
by the tall and dignified resident
But what strikes me as well
is the fence, shared by both homes,
and the boards that were specially fitted
to accommodate the large and spreading base
of this sprawling, bark covered inhabitant
And I see in this spectacle
embracing tolerance and understanding
a reminder of the better parts of us
Style / type:
Free verse
Review Request (Intensity):
I appreciate moderate constructive criticism
Review Request (Direction):
What did you think of my title?
How does this theme appeal to you?
How was the beginning/ending of the poem?
Last few words:
I see this amazing tree a few times a week, and it always triggers these thoughts for me.
Editing stage:
Content level:
Not Explicit Content
(c) Neopoet.com. No copyright is claimed by Neopoet to original member content.
User login
Author information
Region & Country
San Francisco Bay Area - USA
Favorite Poets
Bukowski, Billy Collins, Ted Kooser, Haiku & Harvey Kurtzman (a visual poet, of sorts)
Other recent work
Active Workshops & Contests
Contest
Workshop
- Splash Pool: How to use imagery in poetry..
- Wading Pool: Neopoet How To Video Resources
- Olympic Pool: Earn A Poem Workshop 2
- Olympic Pool: Earn A Poem Workshop 1
- Plunge Pool: Stream Workshop
Comments
Geezer
Thu, 2023-01-19 11:51
This is...
a great story! I love how the two neighbors recognize that the tree should be shared and has the right to exist right where it started, long before the houses were built. I love the huge old tree at the back of my yard. It must be a couple of hundred years old, Fortunately, it is at a place where no one wants or needs space and will most likely stay there until a natural death.
It also holds up an embankment that would collapse, if it were not there. This story is great and recognizes the tree as a living being, which pleases me to no end! The title is very good, the theme is great and it flows well from beginning to end.
~ Geezer.
.
There is value to commenting and critique, tell us how you feel about our work.
This must be the place, 'cause there ain't no place like this place anywhere near this place.
Michael Anthony
Tue, 2023-01-24 10:17
Wow, thanks Geez! I'm happy I
Wow, thanks Geez! I'm happy I was able to convey this effectively in the poem. A scene that constatntly amazes me every time.
Best
Michael Anthony
author commentCandlewitch
Thu, 2023-01-19 12:18
dear Michael,
as a living entity, the tree belongs with both families. and also deserves a name! great story!
*hugs, Cat
*
When someone reads your work
And responds, please be courteous
And reply in kind, thanks.
Michael Anthony
Tue, 2023-01-24 10:18
A name? Food for thought,
A name? Food for thought, thank you! Appreciate your visits.
Best
Michael Anthony
author commentRosewood Apothecary
Fri, 2023-01-20 05:35
Tolerance
Maybe should be the title? Accommodations works for me too. This stuff is the best. Just seeing a thing in all its mundane beauty and feeling something deep within you about it. The commitment to write it down and share it. I often wonder where that drive comes from? What in humans allows us to quantify these thoughts? Why aren’t all humans capable of such deep study of their world?
Question without answers. The best kind
Tim
Michael Anthony
Tue, 2023-01-24 10:21
My wife might tell you the
My wife might tell you the time comes from too much time on my hands - LOL! Recent events in my life have awakened a focus on what's around me, and an appreciation for them. Maybe ebven some things that are not obvious at first. Thank you very much for sharing your thoughts.
Best
Michael Anthony
author comment