Carol A. Hand
The long-lived weeping willow
greets her final spring
Alone, she weathered many storms
but the violent winds of winter past
twisted her and split her to the core
leaving her fatally wounded
***
***
I grieve her passing
as I do the gentle faithful dog
who once sought her shade
in the heat of summer
and whose ashes have rested
beneath her sheltering canopy
for many years
***
***
Yet the beloved dog’s passing
opened up a safe home for another
that was abandoned and abused
as the weeping willow’s passing
will open up a sunny space
for the mountain ash
that has struggled to survive
with little light in her shadow
***
***
Wish though we may to turn back time
the cycle of life continues
opening up new possibilities to love
***
Voices from the Margins 
Nature has so many lessons for us, if we would only pay attention.
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So true, Rosaliene! Sometimes those lessons are painful. It’s easy to become stuck there in times such as these. I can understand why some people may choose to numb out the pain although it comes at a tremendous cost in the long run.
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Some wisdom is difficult. It often takes strength to see truth.
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Thank you for sharing such important insights, A Shift in Consciousness. 🙂
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Always trust the cycles, sister, that’s what keeps me sane in the middle of so much pain, idiocy and confusion…
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Wise advice, dear sister in spirit. Thank you for your thoughtful comments and for the important work you continue to do to raise awareness, build community, and teach practical knowledge and skills. ❤
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Losing a tree and a dog and those we treasure and love, it’s the hardest lesson for humans. I send you love.
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Thank you so much for your kind words, dear Trace. Sending love to you, too. ❤
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There is a time for everything, isn’t there? Seeing the beautiful present is a salve to the sorrow of loss. Your pinto looks like a character
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Thank you so much for your thoughtful comments, Bernadette. (Pinto is a delightful companion.) 🙂
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Beautiful thoughts
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Thank you so much for your kind words, Ann-Christine. ❤
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Beautiful sad and warm poem, Carol. (Though sad to see a tree go, or miss a much loved companion.) groetjes, Hanneke
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Dear Hanneke, thank you so much for your lovely comments. Losing companions that have brought beauty and joy into our lives is painful. This poem was my way of finding a way to move toward healing. Sending my gratitude and best wishes to you. ❤
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Vale Willow, sad yet poignant, the cycle of life.
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Thank you, Paul. ❤
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This was beautiful Carol!! Thank you very much indeed!!!!
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Hector, it is so good to hear from you! Thank you so much for your lovely comments. ❤
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Thank YOU Carol!!! It is always nice to hear from you!!
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❤
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How very beautiful. Carol you always remind me that the world can be a lovely place, in spite of horrible things occurring. xx
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Thank you so much for your thoughtful, lovely comments, Helen. Sending my best wishes to you. ❤
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“Wish though we may to turn back time, the cycle of life continues opening up new possibilities to love”
Beautiful! Thank you for reminding me how to transform pain into promise. It’s always about love, isn’t it?
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Thank you so much for your thoughtful, lovely comments, Lisa. You remind me that love brings both pain and healing. ❤
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smiling to this
beautiful renewal, dear Carol 🙂
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A belated but heartfelt thank you, David. I am deeply grateful for you kindness. ❤
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Beautiful Reflection and appreciation of living things, loving things,, priceless
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Thank you so much for your kind and lovely comments, Ray. (Please excuse the belated reply. I just couldn’t keep up when my computer died and I needed to rely on a tiny laptop screen that blurred my vision.)
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All good my friend. I hope it is all worked out for you. I know how difficult it can be when things get a little fuzzy:)
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