Willow

W
...and a decrepit handful of trees.
—Aleksandr Pushkin

And I matured in peace born of command,
in the nursery of the infant century,
and the voice of man was never dear to me,
but the breeze’s voice—that I could understand.
The burdock and the nettle I preferred,
but best of all the silver willow tree.
Its weeping limbs fanned my unrest with dreams;
it lived here all my life, obligingly.
I have outlived it now, and with surprise.
There stands the stump; with foreign voices other
willows converse, beneath our, beneath those skies,
and I am hushed, as if I’d lost a brother.
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10-10-2024 02:31:05
The poem "And I Matured in Peace Born of Command" is a poignant reflection on the passage of time, the enduring connection with nature, and the inevitable sense of loss that accompanies change. Through vivid imagery and a deeply personal narrative, the speaker captures the essence of a life lived in harmony with the natural world, marked by a profound bond with a silver willow tree. This essay delves into the layers of meaning and emotional depth within the poem, exploring each line to uncover the themes of peace, connection, and loss.

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