Editor’s Note: “Poems to Listen By” is an audio series where, over time, we will explore some of the themes in the Poet Laura checklist, as well as Tweetspeak’s “Year of Wisdom” theme throughout 2020.
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Poems to Listen By: Sharing the Canopy: 8 Ways Trees Embody Our Stories—Buddy Story. Presented by Laurie Klein
Do you remember climbing trees? Sheltering within, or beneath, their boughs? The occasional slap of a branch as you raced through them behind a friend?
Trees as forts. Wind-sourced lullabies. Trees as friends, absorbing our stories, wordlessly showing us theirs.
I love this next poem, a delightful “Buddy Story.” From Tony Hoagland, this is . . .
[“Nature” by Tony Hoagland]
Poetry Prompt
I wonder: Was there a signature tree in your childhood? Or a favorite frog? Are you homesick for particular trees? I hope you’ll make time to remember them, perhaps, write about them.
Browse More Poems to Listen By with Laurie Klein
Photo by mstk east, Creative Commons license via Flickr. Poems used with permission. Audio and script by Laurie Klein with thanks to Pat Stien for direction and Bill Klein for engineering and music from his solo album, “Lauda.”
Tony Hoagland, “Nature,”in Unincorporated Persons in the Late Honda Dynasty (Minneapolis, MN: Graywolf Press, 2010).
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lynn__ says
A beautiful read! Brings me back to the friendly apple tree I used to sit in…
Laurie Klein says
Lynn, what a vivid memory that seems to me here, as I type, imagining your tree in different seasons. Thanks for listening and leaving a comment!
Will Willingham says
There was … the Airplane Tree. It stood in the woods down the street from my house where I spent my after-school hours and summer days. A perfect climbing tree, and built out in such a way that the entire airplane “crew” could find a seat. Pretty sure that even if I could climb it today, I’d fall right out. But it was such a great tree and such a landmark for me in memory.
Another beautiful piece, Laurie. Loved hearing you read my almost-#1 poet. 🙂
Bethany R. says
Makes me wonder who Mr. Hoagland is tied with. Care to share? 🙂
Laurie Klein says
So vivid, Will, I can almost see it, so “transporting” your remembrance. I find myself hoping the Airplane Tree still lives in those woods . . .
So might you tell me your current #1 favorite poet?