Poems: Listening to the trees
Trees in the city and country are important in this week’s Poet’s Corner contributions from Phil Saunders and Tania Leiman.
A moment aside (Phil Saunders)
East Parklands, Adelaide
Busy city dweller faces the park
from welcome seat at its edge
expanse of manicured green
trees dotted throughout
this one proud, majestic in its years
broad enough to picnic under
this one recently planted to seek its own place
this one stripped bare mid-winter
its spidery branches nature’s artistry on show
above the tree line the tops of city buildings
contrast to this tranquil place
where parents push tucked-in offspring
making their way to or from
the clamour of nearby hospital
the moment a balm for recovery.
The trees are singing (Tania Leiman)
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Deep Creek, Fleurieu Peninsula
Listen to the trees
as though you are listening
for the call of one
desperate
to catch your attention
urgent in their need
to get you to understand that
time in the earth
is slower than you
think
and that patience
is needed for roots to grow
deep.
Phil Saunders has been a scriptwriter and copywriter, policy officer, magazine and report editor. His poems have appeared in the UK and Australia, including on ABC Radio.
Tania Leiman, LLB, GDLP, GCE(HE) is Dean of Law at Flinders University. She writes poetry to distil experiences, to slow, to breathe and to connect with the natural world.