Every year she sheds her bark
And often leaves me gifts.
She’s survived many hurricanes
Diana, Bertha, Fran, Floyd, Florence…
Bertha, or maybe Fran, in ’96
Stretched her roots
And lifted her skirt,
But she reached down deep
And held on for dear life.
She’s leaned westward ever since –
Not over the neighbor’s house
More over the backyard.
She grew a second trunk for balance.
When I lay hands on her
I can feel her humming.
If experts say she must come down
I will have to go away.
But she is safe for now.
She releases her round stars
And waits for another spring.
…
Thursday Tree love is a photo feature at happinessandfood.com hosted on 2nd and 4th Thursday of each month.
Learn more at: https://www.happinessandfood.com/thursdaytreelove-58/
Anything is Possible! 
February 28, 2019 at 9:11 am
Beautiful 💗
February 28, 2019 at 10:42 am
Thank you!
February 28, 2019 at 1:17 pm
Beautiful, JoAnna. I feel the love ❤
February 28, 2019 at 5:16 pm
Thank you, Rosaliene. I’m glad you feel it! ❤
February 28, 2019 at 8:11 pm
What an absolute beauty, and so much love!
March 1, 2019 at 7:11 pm
Thank you. I’m glad you appreciate her, too.
March 1, 2019 at 9:59 am
Beautiful!
March 1, 2019 at 8:56 pm
Thank you!
March 3, 2019 at 2:04 am
Oh JoAnna, that was wonderful! I’m so sorry she has to go, but you have honored her ❤
March 3, 2019 at 7:40 pm
I’m not sure yet if she has to go. My neighbor, who is generally a reasonable person, mentioned we consider it after Hurricane Florence. She felt like the tree was leaning over her house. It looks to me like it leans over the back yard. Not a big lean, just a little lean. I think maybe her son who was helping her clean up debris was concerned. I hope he saw me hugging Sycamore. I might have an assessment if she brings it up again. Thank you for your support and understanding Joey. ❤
March 3, 2019 at 7:44 pm
Oh good! Well I hope not, that’d be great!
March 4, 2019 at 2:04 pm
Thank you. Safe for now.
March 4, 2019 at 3:32 am
Wow! That is so much tree love!! Your words have almost recreated the tree in front of me.. metaphorically speaking 🙂
March 4, 2019 at 2:28 pm
Thank you for this wonderful feedback! I’m glad you got to “see” my favorite tree so well.
March 10, 2019 at 8:49 am
What a beautiful one! I loved your poem and felt your love for the Sycamore. Thank you for joining and sharing.
March 10, 2019 at 1:55 pm
My pleasure! Thank you for hosting Tree Love.
March 14, 2019 at 12:41 am
I remember seeing many of these trees while in New Jersey and was always fascinated by the lovely patterns the shedding bark created. I loved the words that went with your photos.
March 14, 2019 at 10:06 pm
Thank you for your thoughtful comment and sharing your experience. I remember the first time I saw the bark shedding, I thought something was wrong. It’s a good lesson to remember. Now the pieces of bark are like gifts of art. I love that you appreciate the patterns.
March 18, 2019 at 3:36 am
I am glad to see the sycamore tree – this reminded me of Zacchaeus who climbed this tree to see Jesus 🙂 Loved reading what you have written. Thanks for sharing:)
March 18, 2019 at 9:21 pm
I’ve always enjoyed that story. Trees have been helping out for a very long time. 🙂 Thanks for appreciating!
March 27, 2019 at 6:56 pm
I love sycamores. They grow where I live in upstate New York. Such pretty bark! Your pictures do the tree justice.
March 27, 2019 at 10:11 pm
Thank you! It’s always nice to connect with another sycamore admirer.