Pause For Poetry:
Michael Hawkes /82

For the Sake of a Tree

A poem by Michael Hawkes

July 15,  2024

We recently learned the sad news that Michael Hawkes had passed away. Michael was our “poet-in-residence” and his poems spoke many truths. He will live on in our hearts and minds as we continue, with his family’s permission, to publish his beautiful thought-provoking poetry.

Patricia Dumais and Andrew Burlone
Publishers, WestmountMag.ca

An ancient stump, with a garland of moss,
Once a lofty straight trunked tree,
Lives on in the woods, despite its loss
Still nurtured by a family.

Once a long-lived lord of the forest grove,
A reservoir of memory,
This remnant of a treasure trove
Still lives, tho’ subterraneously.

Deep underground roots interlace,
Exchanging all they’ve ever known
With saplings striving for their place
As with the aged and overgrown.

Without a crown no stump can grow,
But serves a purpose none the less,
For through a mychorhizal flow
It yields ancestral knowingness

And still maintains a vital role,
With the moss and lichen that we see
And there below, it’s living soul
Remains entwined with family.

13/01/22 – Hawkes

Feature image: Christoph – Pexels

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