Poem by: Halldis Moren Vesaas
The woman is planting a tree in the world.
On her knees, like someone in prayer,
Among the remains of the many trees
That the storm has broken down.
She must try again,
perhaps one at last
Will be left to grow in peace.
She sees the hands outspread on the earth
As if trying to impose her calm
On its threatening tremors.
Oh earth, be still,
Be still, so my tree can grow.
***
This poem was read in the presentation of the 2004 Nobel Peace Prize to Wangari Maathai, who led a grassroots tree planting program in Kenya which has now planted over 40 million trees in Africa.
Art by: Tea Silvestre
Postcards of this image are available to purchase here.
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Your timing couldn’t be better, Tea! Thank you for the beautiful postcard that lead to this magical poem. Exactly what I needed tonight. 🙂
Yay! So glad it landed at just the right time.
Hello Ms. Sweetness. Thank you SO much for the postcard. And for the poetry break. Your art is SO beautiful. You are certainly a very multi-talented person, Tea. I’m so pleased to be in your sphere. Thank you!
Lovely, Téa!
LOVE it! 🙂
It took me almost a month to finally read this, but the timing is perfect 🙂 Thank you Tea!!!
Thanks for the Full-Figured postcard, Tea! Look forward to speaking with you and just wish it wasn’t so far off!
Me, too Aine!