Weathered Mighty Oak... too soon gone...

Tomorrow my loving towering oak tree is to be taken down. It has been my companion with each season of change for the last 46 years, a symbol of the strength and grace I have been blessed to live. Recent storms have been more than this mighty oak has been able to bear. Limbs have been lost to the ravages of the storms. The loss of this loving oak is painfully sad, the memories are heartfelt joy.

and so...

Weathered Mighty Oak

too soon gone

Deep rooted and held

Your branches like arms reach out
From the heart and depths of earth
Weathered mighty oak
Of many known moons
Healed from the wounds
Of harsh seasons past
Strong, deliberate
Confident in your determined pose
Enfolding the winds and light
The ravages of storms 

Beyond your endurance has come

Saddened I be with  your presence no more

Within my  heart be our shared memories ever more.

Rose Marie Raccioppi

Weathered Mighty Oak, Photo: CAR Collectible Clicks, ©Rose Marie Raccioppi, 2013.

 It is beautifully silhouetted in this evening sky
heard are the strong winter winds
  seen is the graceful dancing motion of its branches
 It is as if it is taking its last curtain call.
and so
APPLAUSE! BRAVO!

Vespers

mighty mighty Oak towering tall
rooted and holding to the nurturing earth
branch and bough take to nature's charm
heard are the winsome winds
the rustle and whisper of autumn leaves
sweet melody of season's grace
the silent quiver of the darkened sky
vespers sing the night
vespers sing the night
mighty mighty Oak towering tall.


Rose Marie Raccioppi
Poet Laureate
Orangetown, New York


Vespers, Image, ©Rose Marie Raccioppi, 2011.

Blessed be the commune with this Oak of many many shared moons. It stands outside my window keeping watch over each changing season. I can feel its dance and listen joyfully to its lilting melodies.

It is the felt life force of the Oak that is represented in this image, resounding with life, endurance and bounty... waves of vibratory energy reaching out to embrace us with the wisdom of the seasons.

The Oak stands as a metaphor and symbol of strength, perseverance, endurance... a wood that graces our homes, a spirit that touches our hearts, a knowing that speaks to our souls... Sacred indeed. Throughout my home there is solid oak flooring with a natural oil finish - with each step I express my gratitude for the Oak's humble submission, as it lies before me and underfoot. A dance be ever shared...

...look I to... The Sky Above

a Sunday morning with skies so fair
the barren Dogwood dressed
anew in the light of God's care
the towering Oak leaves yet
in red rustic array
holding the glory of
sun's glow this day
upon the ground
a blanket of leaves
of colors yet bright
they too dressed
in the splendor
of this day's light
and I look to the beauty
of the lambent sky above
feel I the embrace
of God's heavenly love.

Rose Marie Raccioppi


Firmament, Watercolor, Skyscapes, Rose Marie Raccioppi, http://www.apogeeart.com

This Oak's Loving Gifts

outside my window... in my garden...

Know I, this Oak's loving gifts
Towering life, strength and beauty
Rooted, reaching, branching free
Know I, its splendor and its grace
Many moons, many seasons past
The fresh green budding of Spring
The full rapturous bloom of Summer
And this season present
The glorious array of Fall
Leaves donned in shades of crimson
Take to wind's wondrous flight
Bare soon both bough and branch
To hold Winter winds, snow and light.

Rose Marie Raccioppi

Dedicated
in appreciation
for the care of this towering Oak
by the highly competent crew of

Sarvis Tree Service
Pearl River, New York

The Climber and the Crew

Agile and confident be his stride
Adept in his tree climbing pride
With knowing care he mounts this towering Oak tree
Trimming and cutting with a supporting crew he be
And I to enjoy in full safety and pleasure
This towering Oak I lovingly treasure.


Photo: Towering Oak at dusk, CAR, Collectible Clicks, ©Rose Marie Raccioppi, 2010.