Willow
Willow
your barren branches
hanging yellow in the snow
red reaching up
arms stretched in all directions
ducks at your feet.
You've lived so long on this planet
people pass you by
paying no attention
to the woodpeckers you feed
or the red-winged black birds
who rest within, trilling their presence.
Sparrows, song birds, a Raven or two
you protect and nourish them all.
Me too
as I sit and connect with your energy
the pain dissipates.
I am sheltered.
I am protected.
I am healing.
your barren branches
hanging yellow in the snow
red reaching up
arms stretched in all directions
ducks at your feet.
You've lived so long on this planet
people pass you by
paying no attention
to the woodpeckers you feed
or the red-winged black birds
who rest within, trilling their presence.
Sparrows, song birds, a Raven or two
you protect and nourish them all.
Me too
as I sit and connect with your energy
the pain dissipates.
I am sheltered.
I am protected.
I am healing.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Willow
For more information on types of willow, growth habits, cultivation, and uses for medicinal or crafting needs, visit Wikipedia, for a start. Willow water, made from soaking small pieces of twigs in water, is a great natural rooting hormone that can always be accessed if you have a willow tree nearby.
If you are interested in the Celtic traditions, you may want to consult the meaning and the zodiac relationship of the willow tree at this website. https://www.whats-your-sign.com/celtic-meaning-willow-tree.html
Looking for medicinal information on how to use, parts to use, how to process, or contraindications? Here are some sites to check further.
https://pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Salix+alba
http://wildfoodsandmedicines.com/willow/
https://traditionalroots.org/flexible-strength-willow-medicine-salix-spp/
Then of course, you could google how to make willow baskets, furniture, and other crafts such as they did in times past. Willow is an extremely versatile tree, and definitely one of my favourites.
Looking for medicinal information on how to use, parts to use, how to process, or contraindications? Here are some sites to check further.
https://pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Salix+alba
http://wildfoodsandmedicines.com/willow/
https://traditionalroots.org/flexible-strength-willow-medicine-salix-spp/
Then of course, you could google how to make willow baskets, furniture, and other crafts such as they did in times past. Willow is an extremely versatile tree, and definitely one of my favourites.
Today I stand under the willow branches staring upwards and recall my childhood. We had several weeping willows on the property, and sometimes the branches would sweep the ground. I loved to stand under the branches. It was one of my hiding places where I was all alone and protected by the giant trees. Quiet. Peaceful. Cool. I could invent my own imaginary world.