These Are My JOTtings, Part #2

The Old Dead Tree

"When a tree falls in the wood,
and no one's there to hear,
does it make sounds so full and good?
The sight, is it quite clear?"

Today, I heard a cracking sound
from one old wooded lot.
"A tree is falling." Thoughts abounded.
It's damage I knew not what.

Some movement through the boughs impressed,
but leaning it must still
for landing sounds of earth depressed
did not fulfill its will.

Some parts of life may finally fall
with objects in the way,
then stuck with tension high and tall
remains there on display.

To leave precariously the lump
means tension stays and stays,
until we cut it loose to dump
the bile that frees our days.

A tree may fall in a forest stand,
and lean for some time to come,
but finally, down it comes, unplanned
to mar what's 'neath the sum.

The tensions in each life, not bid,
are still ours to attend.
Relieving the hurts of the heart to rid
some burdens as we mend.

But deep things may not e'er remove,
until the gladsome Day.
For then the Savior's final move
will cause all to obey.
(Philippians 2:5-11)

For now, a limb in the fiercest storm
impales the wounded ground.
What need we in its sheer alarm,
that peace may there be found?

A round of wood, and the leveled limb
may there a bistro make,
where gentle moments, now a hymn
reclaim the harsh mistake.

by Jay O’Toole
on June 3rd, 2025