How The Arbutus Tree Came To Gabriola Island Poem by Glenn Bagshaw

(The arbutus tree can only survive a few miles from ocean water)



I couldn't tell how lonely I'd become,
I listened for the sound my tread would send,
I talked in rooms, the rooms that should be home:
and heard echo, echo, my special friend.

Then going out and sitting by the sea,
upon a bench, and rained on by the light,
a girl sat down beside me-yes by me! -
Her talk then flowed. Her ocean eyes were bright.

And there was timeless drift within this voice.
Her gentle face outshone that sea of sky.
She took my hand, alive but to her choice,
and echo, echo still you moaned reply.

Like tides, this girl retreated far away
and there was only echo by the sand
for in our lives, not very much will stay;
since even waters spring, but never land.


My arms then reached to heavens as for help,
and they became wide branches, summer green
and tears streamed down to roots- once boot-clung kelp-
As waves would roar, I 'barked' at all marine...

A quiet care blends sky and sea forever;
that vast blue air that moors on vast blue quays;
blurred, seamless kiss of love binds both together;
for they're immortal. Now I seem like these.