When Comments

I like this metaphorical poem from start to finish!

Kerouac, with his love of nature and God, meditating under the great Pine, seeing into the No-thingness of all! Such a great tanka that would make Kerouac proud. M.J., I can visualize you and him on the Grand Canyon meditating on no-thing. Outstanding work!

Beautiful poem with great depth has been astutely and amazingly delineated. Thanks for sharing.

I see it as a spiritual renewal. Your thought provocative poem also reminds me of our great Norfolk pine that was beginning to die and had to be felled two years ago as it was too close to the house. During stormy nights we would hear the tree groan in an almost end of it's tether way..

Oh, yes, readers could have a heyday delving through this poem for proof they found the true meaning- I find that excellent exercise for the brain! Both for the reader and the author. It is not easy to lay out a trail of bread crumbs that will not only lead the reader somewhere but lead a multitude of readers to different places but justifiably so. I could see Native American aspects to this piece, I can see this from a nature lover's point of view. I can certainly see the Creator God and His Son in this poem- with the groaning pine being the cross on which the Sun [the Son] was crucified, and His resurrection [the blade of grass] freeing the world and mankind from the darkness of Satan's reign. I enjoyed this and I enjoyed finding multiple meanings to it as well as finding my own religious meaning in it. Thank you.for the open invitation to a puzzle and lovely poem all in one! 10+

'When the great Pine groans' there was a time in childhood when I often heard pine trees groan playing among them all day, occassionally you hear a pine tree groan, more often limbs of pine trees rubbed together in the wind, heavy littering of pine needles on the ground beneath them, the smell of pine needles in the air, sap on some pine cones, those pulled from the trees and wonderful pine cone fires on cold winter nights, a poem stirring memories

I fee this is something related to Faith.....! The bright Sun could be the life giver- God on his second coming to save the world from the shackles of sin and lead the blessed to perpetual light! On the final day of judgement when those who thought themselves to be powerful and mighty will be made to yawn and wither under God's wrath and the humble and meek will be made to hold up their heads! Nevertheless a profound write!

ok, time to put this into the newly-opened Section A of January 2017's showcase (aka show case to some of you) . bri :)

This poem is really a Masterpiece! ! ! However I think it lacks some dramatic lines, you need to shine it more :) Good job anyway and keep up the good work :) Rated +10 Merry Christmas

Using imagery in this way can open the door to vast interpretations- I am the ornery kind of reader who doesn't apologize for taking the reins in my hand and following the trail signs to wonders I see.... So I see the giant Pine as the cross and it is indeed casts a mighty shadow over the earth. The cross must have groaned as well as Christ under the massive burden of all sins from the dawn of time through all future time... groaned under the rankness and smell of horrible sins. The blade of grass stands straight? Hmmmm. This makes me delve deeper... forgiven sinners can now stand straight and tall no longer warped and beaten down by the sins they have done while the bright light of the Sun [Son] nourishes them with love and guidance and nutrients for the building of their souls.. This signals indeed the deathgrip that sin and Satan have had on earth. To me, a poem of love and generosity and caring. I rode this to a destination that well-suited my heart. I thank you for the gift of choice, especially at this season. 10++++

When what, for goodness sake? ? ? ooops! i didn't read the poem OR the Notes yet. ok! i like it. not sure about the 'questions' in your Poet's Notes. the poem didn't seem religious, or profane (was it supposed to be?) . i think a balance between 'substantive' and 'superficial'. i'm both sometimes.... myself. i'm picturing a groaning Pine. hmm? could it be a yawn? or is it stiff and having trouble getting out of bed? i like especially: ...............the end of darkness' prison on earth ..............though i think prison is a bit harsh! to MyPoemList. also one for a showcase, if you wish it. let me know. thanks. bri :)