I went back to my family farm land several years ago, to discover that the whole farm yard was razed, other than 5 red granaries. The spruce that was planted when my brother was born and the weeping birch that was planted when my sister was born were gone. (We had moved into town by the time I was born, so I didn't have a tree.) All the other trees gone. My processing of grief? I wrote poems, and the title of my first book is Five Red Sentries, referring to the 5 granaries. Now they are gone, too. I still feel sorrow at the loss of my sibling trees, because they were tall and strong and beautiful and I loved visiting them as i grew up.
I have been saddened by the bulldozing of aspen bushes on what was once my land which we unfortunately had to sell. It was once a diverse piece of habitat. I didn’t mind driving machinery around those bushes. There was always something interesting happening in that field and in those trees. Bird song and beautiful colours especially in fall. My heart cries whenever I have to drive by to see the monoculture it now is. Thank you for your words about grief.
Many of my farmer neighbours, like you, take great interest in the amazing views from the tractor - of hawks especially, but the changes of season and many other living creatures too. Some mark nests in spring when they can so they don't run over them. My heart cries with yours. Thank you for sharing these thoughts.
I went back to my family farm land several years ago, to discover that the whole farm yard was razed, other than 5 red granaries. The spruce that was planted when my brother was born and the weeping birch that was planted when my sister was born were gone. (We had moved into town by the time I was born, so I didn't have a tree.) All the other trees gone. My processing of grief? I wrote poems, and the title of my first book is Five Red Sentries, referring to the 5 granaries. Now they are gone, too. I still feel sorrow at the loss of my sibling trees, because they were tall and strong and beautiful and I loved visiting them as i grew up.
Thank you for sharing this, Raye. I was lucky enough to hear you read this poem a few years ago, and have never forgotten it.
I have been saddened by the bulldozing of aspen bushes on what was once my land which we unfortunately had to sell. It was once a diverse piece of habitat. I didn’t mind driving machinery around those bushes. There was always something interesting happening in that field and in those trees. Bird song and beautiful colours especially in fall. My heart cries whenever I have to drive by to see the monoculture it now is. Thank you for your words about grief.
Many of my farmer neighbours, like you, take great interest in the amazing views from the tractor - of hawks especially, but the changes of season and many other living creatures too. Some mark nests in spring when they can so they don't run over them. My heart cries with yours. Thank you for sharing these thoughts.
Beautiful mom! Very calming yet thought provoking piece - I love you!!!
Awww, first comment from my girl. Thank you!!