On Forgetting the Names of Trees 

for Gerard Manley Hopkins and the kingfishers he saw catch fire

Oak, Elm and Cedar, Pitch Pine, Walnut, Spruce. 
Your names, dear friends, must speak and spell this place, 
And yet my habits baffle in disuse 
Of lips and lungs to lovingly embrace 
The shapes of Birch and Beach — of Tulip Tree — 
Unmaking ground beneath my feet, beneath 
Which grow your roots. Your roots which wend so free 
To water deep below, to life, that leaves 
May stretch to touch the wispy hems of clouds 
Which fringe my all-day sky — but your names, 
Your What I do is me, I speak aloud 
But seldom, I forget for that you came. 
You, friends, in dwelling all around me as a wreath 
Go on and bless — from above and from underneath. 


You can listen to me read it here
https://on.soundcloud.com/wt3Nw

Published by Benjamin White

zesty enthusiast, mystic, amateur poet, husband, father, chaplain

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