I’ve been enjoying the highly structured form of poetry called the Villanelle. Here’s a new entry. You can also read Villanelle #1 and Villanelle #2.
My desire is to plant one more tree
An oak or maple that adds a ring each year
Though under its shade I will never be
For my children and theirs I bequest tenderly
A vibrant magnolia or dogwood souvenir
My desire is to plant one more tree
Picnic beneath, from a limb swing carefree
Birds build a sturdy nest to ease their fear
Though under its shade I’ll never be
Green leaves, orange, red, each season is beauty
The winter silhouette of bare branches appears
My desire is to plant one more tree
The air feels fresher to a comforting degree
In the face of drought or disease persevere
Though under its shade I’ll never be
Fifty years hence we cannot foresee
During my brief time I hold so dear
My desire is to plant one more tree
Though under its shade I’ll never be
