#Vacation: “Redwood Giant!,” a Poem by Lily Erlic

Redwood Giant!

By Lily Erlic

Redwood Giant!
Your trunk is like a red-necked dinosaur,
Stretch, stretch to touch the sky,
What does your canopy say?

Whispers to the clouds, no doubt,
Secrets in the sky,
Your droplets fall to my face,
Like liquid diamonds.

Redwood Giant,
Speak to me . . .
I can hear you say,
“Come see, come smell and come feel,” said the Redwood.

The fire that roamed blackened your bark,
Black as the night fill your hollow space,
Your strength overcomes the hardship,
You are stronger and taller now.

Redwood Giant,
I hear your voice,
Your majestic branches hold the secret,
Of your strength.
I walk among you like a trampled, saddened fool,
I cannot reach your height,

My forlornness is not without solace upon your mask,
Help me to reveal your secrets so that I may be worthy,
So that I may become like you.
I need your strength to seep into me,
Like a cool drink in the hot sun.

Redwood Giant,
Hear me speak,
Listen to my plea,
Give me a speck of your sap,

So that I may survive this cruel world,
Help me to overcome my boundaries,
And the hurt laid upon me by others.
Tell me I am safe.

Redwood Giant,
Give me your branches to hold,
For I weep inside, I am alone.

Wrap me with your warmth and strength.
Teach me to be bold.
Redwood Giant,
Teach me to overcome the obstacles,
Help me become who I am,
Show me the way to the light,

Give me hope so I can fly,
Like the Eagle circling above,
Help me to soar . . .

Redwood Giant,
Speak to me . . .
I can hear you say,
“Come see, come smell and come feel,” said the Redwood.

I have seen. I have smelled. I have felt.
Your strength has seeped through me
I know now. I can move on.
I can embrace your bark.

I am free.

Redwood Giant!
Your trunk is like a red-necked dinosaur,
Stretch, stretch to touch the sky,
Your voice is clear to me now.
I can hear what you are saying.

© 2016

 

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Lily Erlic is a children’s author and early childhood educator. She is a traveller too. When she visited the Redwoods, she was overwhelmed by their majestic beauty. You can find out more on her website at www.lilyerlic.com.

 

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SUMMER STARTERS: Looking for new writing/illustrating ideas? Is the weather hot, but your mind cool? If so, then check out these prompts from award-winning children’s author (and EPA-SCBWI member) Tony Fredericks. Ready! Set! Go!

• David arrives in the United States from Kenya. He is an excellent long-distance runner and soon joins the high school cross-country team.
• “Boy, is Mom going to be angry when you get home.”
• A Giant Sequoia tree does not begin to flower until it is at least 175 to 200 years old.