Liam's Willow
Tree
It is foolish
to let a young redwood
grow next to a house.
Even in this
one lifetime,
you will have to choose.
That great calm being,
this clutter of soup pots and books—
Already the first branch-tips brush at the window.
Softly, calmly, immensity taps at your life.
Jane Hirshfield
We planted this willow tree when I was pregnant with Liam. It was about six feet tall, a slender whip, its small leaves backlit by the evening sun. We tried to plant it far enough away from the septic tank that it wouldn't dip in for a drink, far enough away from the deck so it wouldn't touch when it grew up.
We had no idea.
The willow is seven now, Liam is six. He is long and lanky. It is enormous. By next summer, we will be able to reach out from our deck and touch the willow's branches. I've no doubt it will be in the septic tank by then, too. It is full of birds and it buzzes with cicadas. It is a citadel of foliage, a city of birds and insects. It's a habitat on a trunk.
What a metaphor for starting a family, this willow tree. So much bigger, so much grander, so much more wonderful, so much scarier and all-consuming than you ever could have imagined. The willow overspreads half the back yard, at seven. What will it be at 25? Who will Liam, he of the wooden trains, be at 25?
Softly, calmly, immensity taps at your life.
posted by Julie Zickefoose @ 9:33 PM
6 comments
6 Comments:
Ain't it the truth. I love the idea of planting a willow tree for a child. I chose and planted roses for my children. My daughter Ruth is named for her late greatgrandmother so we chose the Peace rose which was Grandmother Ruth's favorite. Gage was born in 2000 so I found a love rose called Great Century for him. When we moved, they came too. If we move again, I can either do cuttings or transplant them. They are a lovely, living reminder of the hope a parent feels.
I love the way you remind us that no matter what we hope for, it can't live up to the beauty and magnificence of our children in full bloom.
What a wonderful way to mark the beginning of a new life! Did Phoebe get a tree, too? I wish I had done it for our kids.
I just spent a week in the Berkeley hills where once-small redwoods do indeed now dwarf the little houses. Choices will be made, and it won't go well for the trees.
How beautiful is that tree! My favorite tree, the willow. When I was 12, I planted a little willow stick in my parent's back garden. When I was 24, my father had to cut it down, as it took over the entire backyard, and the roots were invading the plumbing. I was so sad! Now I have my own giant garden, and am planning to grow my second willow!
Hoping yours continues to give you joy and wonder!
What a lovely poem and a great willow. Trees have a way of surprising us with their own vitality, immensity, and plans of their own. A wonderful idea to plant a tree for Liam.
You should get the children's book Miss Twiggley's Tree by Dorothea Warren Fox for Liam. Miss Twiggley is a favorite of my children and all the action occurs in an enormous willow tree.
The willow tree represents insight, the dreams that empower us, the dreams that motivate us, and the Muse. Good one for you Liam. May the Willow Muse guide you to fulfillment of your dreams, easily and gently.
S.
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