THE GIVING TREE*
(Re-imagined)
Once there was a tree
on a whole bunch of run down property…
and this tree was feeling a little alone,
Until one day a woman came
and made the land her own…
And instantly,
The tree
Loved..
This woman…
And every day for the next 20 years
Woman and tree,
facing all their fears,
worked,
branch in hand
To restore all the land
To it’s once magnificent state-
they sealed their fate,
Together
They would they be
Woman and tree
Till the end…..
But this woman..
She wasn’t alone
She had a daughter,
Who one day,
Came home!
Daughter began to work at the tree and the womans side
And in the womans, her mothers, house,
to reside...
And as for the tree
Well, it was now
Extra happy.
The years continued to pass
More work, life and love was amassed,
until the collapse of the economy struck
And woman daughter and tree
Found themselves
way down on their luck,
And none of the three were so happy…
So one day the daughter decided,
And in the tree and the mom she confided
That the time had come for her to see
Just what else
She could possibly be…
And although nothing about this was easy,
Daughter left the mom and the tree
To see if she could find her own happy…
And although daughter will terribly miss
Life with woman and tree,
Which was bliss!
Daughter also knows,
Unless she goes
She can never learn to be
Her very own giving tree….
The End...
and
The Beginning…
(Pssst…just between you and me,
a secret from woman and tree)
Daughter knows she will someday
Be here again….
It’s only a question of when
With So Much Love And Gratitude
Rachel Smith 12/24/2010
ABOUT THE ARTIST: Dena Haden was one of the first full time employees at Giving Tree Gallery. At the time, Dena was studying art, and today is one of our favorite artists! Last summer, Dena placed an installation on the grounds of Giving Tree Gallery. This year, we asked her to draw an image for this goodbye poem from Rachel. You can see more of Denas work on her website WWW.HADENDENA.COM. Dena is preparing for her upcoming solo shows as well as being available for commission work.
*This poem, and everything I will ever do.. is for Judith.
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2 comments:
I have been a fan of Judith and Giving Tree Gallery since my family began vacationing on Cape Cod in the 80's. I subsequently became a fan of Rachel's endless energy and joy for life through the blog and website. You both are truly special and inspirational. Rachel, I will miss your constant presence at the Girls of Giving Tree, but look forward to hearing the next wonderful things you do.
Wow, Rachel. I just happened to see a post on facebook about you moving to New York and thought I would check this blog out to see what you are up to. I lived there ages ago and always feel a pang when I hear of another friend carrying on a life in that amazing place. But finding this poem was an unexpected gift. What a beautiful beautiful thing. I have always admired your relationship with your mom and this must be the most simple sweet eloquent and moving tribute to you both. Having lost my mom in the last year, it brings me to tears. Rock on in the big city, girl. Theresa Weber
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