The freckled girl, 19 years nurtured
under the yon glaring illimitably distant sun,
stepped back far enough from the Flamboyant,
looked up, and then round her once more
“Perfect,” she mouthed, “it’s now or never.”
Cracked her knuckles and smiled at the sound–
the first cicadas of the morn, with lovely promises ever:
it was going to be another day full of sun.
Still smiling, she drew close to the great tree,
and in the tune of Mother-May-I,
rata-tap-tapped on the trunk with glee
just like she used to–
like everyone did– before climbing.
She flung one leg onto the lowest bough,
the one that used to be easy to reach, but…
“Tsk.” She wrinkled her nose.
That’s what happens when you don’t flex those muscles.
And so she spat into her palms,
wrapped lanky arms ’round the tree trunk,
gripped it with her thighs and calves:
snaked her body up ’till she reached the first fork.
“Nothing to it. Piece o’ cake,” she crowed
as she tested the sturdiness of her tree in the park.
“All you gotta do is grip and hoist your body up–
up, up, up, there we go. Let’s go quick!”
Arriving at a comfortable limb, mounted it
and sighed at the perfect bird’s-eye view of the sea–
this was how she wanted to remember it:
suspended, like a halo over roofs of homes.
As she let her periphery expand, the stain-glassed skylight
of the church mirrored the sun– a kaleidoscope of colors.
She touched a cheek to the trunk for a minute
and golden shone the tears on her eyelashes.
Would there be cicadas where she was going?
Would they sing to remind her of her home?
Would there be Flamboyant trees for her to climb there?
Well, she’ll just have to go there to find out.
***
© 2022 selmamartin.com
And now for our (optional) prompt. Today’s challenge is a fun one: write a poem that takes the form of the opening scene of the movie of your life. Does it open with a car chase? A musical number? A long scene panning across a verdant plain? You’re the director (and also the producer, the actors, the set designer, the cinematographer, and the lowly assistant that buys doughnuts for the crew) – so it’s all up to you!
Image by M W from Pixabay
Flamboyant tree: Image by M W from Pixabay
Banner and Button: Maureen Thorson
As for the opening scene of this story, it’s taking place in May, when the tree wasn’t in total bloom yet and I could still see through the branches. It’s still my favorite tree. To read more, get a good taste of it at this lovely link. Happy reading.
Thanks for reading.
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Yes to the spirit of adventure and discovery in your poem, Selma! 💖
Would love to find out!
I love this. It makes me want to climb a tree 🙂
This one makes me want to go find that tree and climb on top 😁
I’ve never heard of a Flamboyant tree or seen one, but they are lovely! I was in a park not long ago and the desire to climb one of the old live oaks was so strong I ached with longing for the days when I could so easily maneuver the branches. I enjoyed the view and the memories that came along, too. +
I love it, you really painted the scene and captured the spirit of the moment. Fantastic 😉
Leaving and arriving are always intertwined with emotion. (K)
such fun and adventure Selma! 💖
Stunning poem, love it! And excellent opening scene to a movie. It’s actually one of my favourites of yours. Love this stanza especially for its sounds, images and hopefulness:
““Perfect,” she mouthed, “it’s now or never.”
Cracked her knuckles and smiled at the sound–
the first cicadas of the morn, with lovely promises ever:
it was going to be another day full of sun.”
<3
Lovely, Selma. Such a brave wee girl. Wondering but fearless and ready. Much love for this one.
I had to look up this lovely tree. Your verse reminded me of when I was not quite in double digits and climped up to the very top of a tall pine.
An amazing view for sure. The country is so very different from the city, where we had to move…
… And now I have wonderful trees for shade. But I wouldn’t climb any of them now 🙂
Oh, you reminded me of my childhood! I loved climbing trees! Love this, Selma. ❤️