Tree Project

This page for the project based around ‘The Tree’ and is built with material created by members of SpiralArts inspired by the theme. The videos are based on some of the material below and three pieces of music composed by Cressida and James Lindsay.

Additionally, in grateful collaboration with Rachel Wise there is another film created on location in Hampshire – The Linden Tree

Autumn is underfoot
Browns and golds retreat, earthbound,
Tears for the lost year.
A symbol of hope in sad times
The Tree of Life stands vibrant.

Olive Tree, Letoon, S. Turkey. Temple of Leto, mother of Apollo, god associated with the Sun, and Artemis (Diana) goddess associated with the moon

To the Trees by Hoshi Dee (1st Draft)

The oldest of us,
Stoic, long-standing,
Long-suffering of our uses and abuses.
The way we treat you whom we need.

Arms reaching to the sky, for the sun,
You silently let us eat and breath,
Locking carbon away releasing precious oxygen back into the air we poison.
You unselfishly share your resources, the toils of your labours.

If trunks could talk,
If we could hear…
If we would listen (if we would care),
The things you could share.

Starting from among the smallest of things,
You take your time, if allowed, and grow.
Following your natures, allowing of other’s,
Standing your places in time despite the shifting seasons.

In time, maybe we’ll value you correctly again
Treat you better,
The way we should
Remembering and giving thanks.

In time, you’ll stand, with us or without
While the wind blows, the world turns,
Our star burns…
You store your memories in your trunks.

The oldest of us,
Long-suffering, long-standing, stoic
You will endure
Even after we’re gone.

Tree Artwork by Fiona Duff

TREE POEM

Bryony Williams - February 2021

Elegant tree
You stand before me
I watch in awe
And
Feel your majesty

Uplifting tree
You help me to see
Become aware
Of
The growth within me

Deepening roots
Hold under the ground
An upright trunk
That’s
Both strong and profound

Eloquent arms
Extending in trust
 That lilt and sway
In
A dance through the day

Spiralling growth
Green leaves appearing
Bright, bold and free
They 
Flutter gracefully

Autumn arrives
Winds sweep and swirl
Leaves in danger
Drop
And turn to the ground

Ancient tree
 You stand still and strong
Witness to all
That 
Is passing through time.

Come find your peace with me – painting by David Home

The Linden Tree (Lindenbaum - Schubert)
 
A tall and handsome lime tree stands close beside her gate.
There in his spreading shadow I used to stand and wait.
And in his ancient timber, I carved my loved one’s name.
On times of joy and sorrow, to him I always came.
 
To start upon my journey, I had to pass that way;
And even in the darkness I chose to look away.
But then his branches murmured, and seemed to call to me:
Come here, unhappy comrade, you’ll find your peace with me.
 
The north wind it came blowing, so cold and so unkind.
I turned my face towards it, and left my tree behind.
This whole long night I’ve journeyed away from that great tree,
Yet still I hear him calling: Come find your peace with me.
 
This whole long night I’ve journeyed away from that great tree,
Yet still I hear him calling: come find your peace with me,
Come find your peace with me.