we are all in this together... poem by Ali Walters

One of the lovely things about my yearlong Tongues in Trees course has been the enthusiasm with which participants have engaged with both the trees and each other, and Facebook has turned out to be a rich resource. Last year's group is continuing to use their Fb page, and one member, Ali Walters, posted a poem last week which reflects our current strange time so well. With her permission, here is the poem and the accompanying photo.

In the Celtic Tree Calendar that I use, we have recently moved from Ash to Alder, but each tree also informs our relationship to the next, and the previous, tree, in wonderful symbiosis.

I have also used Ali's poem in an essay-contribution to an anthology that is intended to lift and support people at this hard time. It's particularly aimed at those of us whose spiritual path is an earth-centred one, but hopefully will inspire others too. More anon.

Thank you, Ali.



Ash Tree Reflections

In an upside down world
I stare at my reflection
and tell you
I know about disease.
I know about shortage and want.
I know what it is like to dread the chainsaw’s roar
and wonder if it is coming for me.
I know what it is like
to no longer hear my friends
whispering on the wind.
In this upside down world
if you can't hug your mother, sister, friend, brother, father, child, grandchild
put your arms around me
and listen while I tell you
we are all in this together.


© Ali Walters 

www.southdownswayandbeyond.com