2016 collection

The Best Revenge (RichardHigley)

The universe seems not to care

The stresses on a soul laid bare,

But things aren't always as they seem,

And what's unseen could fill up reams.

There is a limb that's been cut free,

Lopped off a distant family tree.

This battered limb has borne the load,

Been scarred by rope swings children rode.

It stood the feet of those who climb,

And even lived through deadly crime.

The cut was cold, and most unfair

For reasons it was unaware.

At distance, still within one's sight,

The cut end planted deep and tight.

Though cloven from the family stead,

The splinter, shocked it wasn't dead,

Reached toward the sky with her whole length,

Up from the ground to gather strength.

Let's turn aside for just a bit.

I have a story, here's the fit.

An old peat mine became a lake.

For one to fish, a price they'd take.

I had a rod and lures too,

Though not an angler much, it's true.

I want to catch but hate to wait,

I find it hard to rest the bait.

I felt the want to find a prop,

From living trees, a branch I'd lop.

I drove the limb into the peat,

Near where the land and water meet.

At end of day, I packed it in.

Two wheels of seasons were to spin,

Before I chose that place once more,

And found a new tree at the shore.

That cut off branch had taken root

And much more than a tender shoot.

Just like my prop that grew a tree.

That family branch that was cut free,

Can face her family without twinge.

Success will be the best revenge.

Richard Higley © Dec. 22, 2016