Locust Wood
Born heavy the locust wood
A hewn heart bleeds no longer
There within a tragic good
Beats something that is stronger
Fragile fate goes as it should
Blood red streaks bear good witness
Where the cuts sliced rancid meat
Leaving only what smells best
Oddly, less is more complete
For what survives trying test
Crushing sound of knee at bend
And worldly weight given wings
Axe-man cleaves what he must rend
Though the pain in stain still clings
Free is what remains in end
Fallen sins we now confess
But never the crimes depart
Steel finds its home with great zest
Acting out its only part
Heavy locust wood knows best
Fragile fate goes as it should
For what survives trying test
Free is what remains in end
Heavy locust wood knows best
commonsensiblyspeaking 
Locust is one of the strongest wood, and this dedication to it is a great piece, you just dont tell a journey of a man, but a journey of any being of nature 😊very well written Brad
Thank you, my friend! In trying to be creative with form, I stumbled upon something more abstract and I am so glad you enjoyed it! I appreciate your support and insights.
Great Brad, I would also look forward from some dark ones from your end, supernatural kind. You know what I mean, but then no pressure, I know you can write on anything 😊
I do have a few darker themes already written. I will be sure to get one posted soon to keep your mind turning!
Thanks Brad for considering my wish 😊👍🙏
Brad I love this. So beautifully written and constructed around the Locust Tree.
Very interesting and a little different write or piece for you. Gorgeous.
I am a real lover of trees and so your poem drew me in at once and what a terrific picture to accompany your piece. Nice work.
Brad my daughter is in NC from WA so I will be off line a few days. I will pick up as much as I can when I get back. This is one of my favorites, I have a few but this is truly great.
Take care Brad. Love coming your way as always my friend. Love ya Joni ❤️💕🤗
Thank you for your kind words. I am glad you enjoyed it. Enjoy your time with family and we will be here when you return. Much love! 💖
Thanks Brad hope you have a blessed weekend. Love and blessings from NC. 💕❤️🤗
I love your use of metaphor here. ‘free is what remains in end.’ yes
You so get me! Thanks Beth!
just like sally field! )
You are my Sally Fields! 👧
ha!
“crushing sound of knee at bend” – I’m thinking this could be a metaphor for a couple of recent occurrences…
another powerful poem, Brad!
Thank you, Jim! I have no way of knowing what my subconscious may insert into my work. I am sure it has a hand in everything, so you are correct in the idea of that phrase having a deeper metaphorical meaning. Thanks for all your support, my friend!
so I guess we can interpret it any way we want 🙂