The poem is inspired by and dedicated to Willowbrook Park in Staten Island, NY. I am in love with all she has to offer. My friends and I call her Willow for short. This is one of the trees I’ve taken multiple images of over the span of five years.

You exist
as the catfish within
these growing ripples under the bridge
You exist
as the cold, fertile ground
where seeds germinate into laughter
You exist
as tall poison ivy
protecting our treasures in the trees
You exist
as bird calls in the wind
billowing and echoing our hymns
You exist
as deer eating clover
near baseball fields and forest clearings
You exist
as summer dragonflies
seeking guidance from a soaring kite
You exist
as lightning bugs at dusk
Illuminating the balmy air
You exist
as grape vines on the edge
of red berries and oyster mushrooms
You exist
as swamps among the oaks
where frogs inhabit trees and lilies
You exist
as every one of us
protecting nature inside and out
Bio:
Jack M. Freedman is a poet and spoken word artist from Staten Island, NY. Publications featuring his work span the globe. Countries include USA, Canada, UK, France, The Netherlands, Ukraine, India, Nigeria, Singapore, and Thailand. He is the author of the upcoming chapbook, …and the willow smiled (Cyberwit.net, 2019).
Find More by Jack at:
Facebook: @andthewillowsmiled
Twitter: @JacobMoses81
…and the willow smiled by Jacob Moses on Amazon
© The Literary Librarian 2020