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Fraxinus





Fraxinus

 

He hung himself from the ash tree

whose branches always grow

directly opposite from each other,

like himself and joy,

his heart and love,

his mind and peace.

 

His last sight was the oar-like leaves

scattered below him,

rowing him across the River Styx.

-----


The poem above is a quadrille, a 44-word poem, written for a prompt about ash trees for the woody and deciduous folks over at DVerse.


©2021 Christopher Reilley 

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  1. lillianthehomepoet.wordpress.comOctober 18, 2021 at 4:34 PM

    Absolutely beautifully done! The opposites so much more than a listing....add meaning to what has happened here. And an excellent ending.

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  2. sarahOctober 18, 2021 at 4:42 PM

    I like the pairing images in the first stanza. This is so poignant.

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  3. Ron.October 18, 2021 at 4:56 PM

    Perfectly succinct & well-enhanced by the opposition(s) imagery. Salute!

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  4. JennaOctober 18, 2021 at 5:03 PM

    This is quite a dark poem but written wonderfully. I echo Lillian's comment. <3

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  5. GraceOctober 18, 2021 at 5:09 PM

    Beautiful imagery of the ash tree and oar like leaves. The theme is dark but there seems to be an acceptance of the outcome of one's life. A coming to peace, if you will. Thanks for sharing.

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  6. WildChild47October 18, 2021 at 5:59 PM

    There is a wonderful and tremendous resonance in this piece. The opposing forces in word-play, highlighting the constant dual/dueling nature of life and what it means to be human. I think it resonates so well because of the way you've structured it - the words you've chosen. Well done.

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  7. Sanaa RizviOctober 18, 2021 at 6:14 PM

    This is deliciously dark and brooding. I love the imagery of "the oar-like leaves."

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  8. SSOctober 18, 2021 at 9:22 PM

    Your words conjure a vivid image of the intense dark moment of an end. The juxtaposition is brilliant

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  9. K.HartlessOctober 18, 2021 at 9:51 PM

    Powerful first line and the oar like leaves were a delightful surprise. Wonderful.

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  10. JadeLiOctober 18, 2021 at 10:41 PM

    You convey so much in this poem. Reminds me of that Cream song, "Born Under a Bad Sign."

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  11. IngridOctober 19, 2021 at 5:37 AM

    Woah, this is tragically potent - great write!

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  12. ben AlexanderOctober 19, 2021 at 6:04 AM

    "oar-like leaves... rowing him..."

    Ingenious, Chris!

    Fantastic imagery and language.

    -David

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  13. Merril D. SmithOctober 19, 2021 at 6:32 AM

    Beautifully constructed with the opposing images and the oar-like leaves, but it makes me sad and wondering about this man, and why he felt the need to do this.

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  14. brudbergOctober 19, 2021 at 2:40 PM

    Love how you tied this together in the end. The beginning was so very forceful...

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  15. purplepeninportland.comOctober 20, 2021 at 8:48 PM

    I love the opposing sides in this. Excellent work!

    ReplyDelete

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