Ode to The Self-Giving Tree by Manatita

Manatita is an esteemed author living in London, UK. He writes spiritual books, flash fiction and esoteric poetry, his favourite genre.

Wisdom-Quote from Sri Chinmoy

"Like the tree I shall bow down,

Like the mountain I shall forgive and keep my head high.

Like the mother I shall always remain awake,

Like the Heart I shall always worship." -Sri Chinmoy

An eleven syllable Sonnet-Ode

O tree, my life-giving sustainable Light;

Selflessness-sacrifice; a joy to behold.

You nourish my life with fruit-yielding delight,

Humility incarnate; bares your sweet soul.

Some rich greedy ones, your role misunderstand,

Though you sing and bow like a beggar with bowl.

They plunder your love, for the profits on hand,

Ignoring the tears, from the trunk of your soul.

O tree, my tree, mighty Amazon forest,

Gives shade to the weary; the needy a home.

Protects the environment; your soil is the best,

Gives sanctu'ry to all; allows us to roam.

O tree, life-giving; sustaining mankind,

God's pride, His delight; His elegant design.

-Manatita, The Lantern Carrier. 26th May 2018.

~ Awakening The Inner Light

Quote from the Master

• “When you really have something to offer to the world, then you can become truly humble. A tree when it has no fruit to offer, remains erect. But when the tree is laden with fruit, it bends down. If you are all pride and ego, then nobody will be able to get anything worthwhile from you. When you have genuine humility, it is a sign that you have something to offer to mankind.” -Sri Chinmoy

Sustenance from the eco systems

Quote from Issues in Ecology

"Human societies derive many essential goods from natural ecosystems, including seafood, game animals, fodder, fuel wood, timber, and pharmaceutical products. These goods represent important and familiar parts of the economy. What has been less appreciated until recently is that natural ecosystems also perform fundamental life-support services without which human civilizations would cease to thrive..." Issues in Ecology, number two, Spring 1997. Published by the Ecological Society of America.

Do you like foresty or trees?

© 2018 manatita44

Comments

manatita44 (author) from london on June 29, 2018:

Ah, Audrey.

A sweet sentiment. Thank you so much!!

Audrey Hunt from Idyllwild Ca. on June 28, 2018:

I am blessed to live among tall pines and oak trees. These masters of wisdom teach me about life. They are my spiritual giants. Your sonnet-ode is lovely. Trees are indeed, God's pride, delight, and design.

manatita44 (author) from london on June 09, 2018:

Sure.

Thanks a lot for the invitation, Li-Jen. Appreciated!

Li-Jen Hew on June 09, 2018:

Haha, if you're ever coming to Malaysia, let me know! Thanks.

manatita44 (author) from london on June 07, 2018:

I always miss the sweet childlike people and I did miss you. Don't work too hard. Thanks a lot!

Li-Jen Hew on June 07, 2018:

Hey, your poem does describe the title, giving tree, and greed by those who take trees for granted. Your poem is where I should head to to feel safe under the tree if there's no trees around. :) I like Sri Chinmoy's quote.

manatita44 (author) from london on June 01, 2018:

Eric,

You sometimes have very creative ways of relating to the Hub. So you are a tree hugger as well. Lol. Thank you so much!

Eric Dierker from Spring Valley, CA. U.S.A. on June 01, 2018:

You are special.

1. Buddha under his tree.

2. Harmony.

3. Trees my boys and I hug.

4. Spring leaves and fall leaves and beautiful Winter rest.

5. Through your art I could smell them.

6. And I always love Chimnoy.

manatita44 (author) from london on May 27, 2018:

Yes, Ji.

I guess we guys from hot countries did a few innocent naughties when we were small.

Your piece on the tree and support is commended. Om shanti!

Thank you, Nithya.

You are very wise. Appreciated.

Nithya Venkat from Dubai on May 27, 2018:

Great ode to the tree, people take trees for granted and do not realize their value.

Venkatachari M from Hyderabad, India on May 27, 2018:

Very nice post. Trees are like our Mother, giving something always. They never get tired until death.

BTW, I also used to do some mischief in my early school days, climbing the trees in the backyard garden of our school to steal the fruits along with my friends. There was a huge garden of mangoes, guava, and other fruits. The railway track boundary wall was our help in reaching to those fruits.

manatita44 (author) from london on May 26, 2018:

LINDA C,

Another tree-lover like us. Climbing was a great adventure.

Thanks for your supportive contribution.

Linda Crampton from British Columbia, Canada on May 26, 2018:

I climbed trees as a child, too. Trees have been important to me for a long time. I'm always sad when I see that one has been chopped down. Your poem is interesting, Manatita. Thank you for mentioning the Amazon forest. It needs our help.

manatita44 (author) from london on May 26, 2018:

You climbed trees, Peggy? I used to climb as well but one day as an adult in Seracunda, the Gambia. I struggled. I was so afraid! The things we do as children.

Yes, I try to make my writing intelligent, wise ... reflect the Light. Thank you so much!

You have all given very nice contributions.

Peggy Woods from Houston, Texas on May 26, 2018:

When I was a child there was a woods adjacent to my parents and grandparents lots. I grew up climbing trees and have loved them ever since.

You always incorporate words of wisdom in your posts which are so enjoyable. We need to protect our natural ecosystems as we derive so much from them when they are operating as they should.

I totally agree with what Linda Lum wrote as her comment.

manatita44 (author) from london on May 26, 2018:

Frank,

Glad you love trees. You're not a hugger, are you? Lol. So nice to be receptive on both counts. Thanks a lot Bro. Peace.

manatita44 (author) from london on May 26, 2018:

Yes, Dear Linda.

You are so blessed. I'm sure that they feed your nature also. So much beauty!

Thank you so much!!

Bill,

I know that you do your best. You are far from the 'madding crowd.' God bless your family. God bless your Heart.

Linda Lum from Washington State, USA on May 26, 2018:

Manatita, the quote from The Master is so exquisitely beautiful.

I live on the edge of an old-growth forest of conifers. When a tree dies, it falls to the earth, but even in that death, it does not truly die. Not only does it decay and return its nutrients to the earth, it provides nourishment to seedlings that are God-planted and grow on top of it. The aged tree becomes a nurse log, nurturing the new generation.

Bill Holland from Olympia, WA on May 26, 2018:

Words of ultimate wisdom. I do try to give back to the world...cut down on selfishness...think of others...and do all things in love. :) Peace my friend.

Frank Atanacio from Shelton on May 26, 2018:

Love the sonnet and I am a big true lover too... so this worked for me on so many levels.. bravo my friend :)