There stands the regal palm tree
Its use is more than I can see.
It wears a crown but gives no shade
and never a bit of fruit is made.
“Regal” is an apt description
The tree, the king, share this affliction
The tree, the king, share this affliction
One is useless as the other
Each an embarrassment and a bother.
California in my youth
Sported palm trees, it’s the truth
But the ones I knew there
Wore edible fruit in their hair.
The date palm, a tree utile,
Its production was not futile.
On Oahu I met the coconut,
A palm tree too, similar but
at least it produced a bread
that if it fell not on your head
was edible, a thing of joy,
I’ve eaten them since a boy.
Yet this thing I see above me
Is useless as food or shade. A tree?
What is this tall thing for?
Why, my friend, it is décor!
Loved this poem! It is a spot on description-
ReplyDeleteIt does have an important role. Everyone enjoys beauty. No everyone likes coconut.
ReplyDeleteI didn't know there were different kinds of palm trees - well, okay I knew there were date palms and coconut palms - I love both - the fruit anyway. Coconut palms are a tad dangerous - you don't want to park your car near them after all...Now I have to research palm trees (like I have time for this ... wait, I do, after I get the laundry done...)
ReplyDeleteShelly, thank you. I see these all around me, but clearly the utility is in the appearance. (Then what about the ones whose dead fronds are allowed to hang? eeek!)
ReplyDeleteVee, yes, as I said, "it is decor."
Grace, many years ago I stayed on Oahu in a cottage that had a terne roof and an overhanging coconut palm.
ReplyDeleteBelieve me, one sat straight up in bed when a fruit fell on the roof in the middle of the night!
I'm with Grace--I didn't realize there were different palms. Well, I guess I have an excuse being that we don't have them here in Chicago!
ReplyDeleteAround this time of year, I tend to remember the joy of living where palm trees thrive. But here I am stuck in a snow drift. Oh well.
ReplyDeleteChuck, whether or not the palm is productive, there is something to be said for the climate that will support it! Sixty-mile winds today, though.
ReplyDelete