Willow Tree Death Knell Poem by Deanna Samuels

It was a shock
A shock that went deep into my heart
It was only a tree after all
But what a tree
A tree with portfolio of two past poems
A magnificent example of a glorious Weeping Willow
It's setting as a welcome when entering estate
Enduring too, traumatic transformation
Having lost main limbs in a past winter ice storm
Recovered slowly, regaining strength and beauty
Stood there in new formed glory

What a shock
As email unfolded its shattering content
What a death knell
Arborist declared willow unstable
Needs to be felled in next short while
My heart sunk
What a disaster
Must accept it is just a tree
But such character
A sturdy gatekeeper
Standing watch for over 50 years

The die is cast
License granted to do the deed
Tree fellers hired and arrangements made
Date for the final action set
Within a few days it is to be done
My favorite willow tree will be cut down
Sawn into logs and taken away
Perhaps recycled for paper bags
Branches and twigs shredded on site
Compacted down for mulch and compost
Somewhere, maybe, the willow's life will live on

Gone,
Gone as though it had never been
Gone from its commanding space
Gone from sight or gaze
Gone for ever
Gone, but not from my memory
Perhaps in time, even that will fade
As passing years invade
Then, all memory will be lost
Of an imposing willow tree once there
A memory of my favorite Weeping Willow

Written at Richmond Hill, Ontario - 26th November 2021