A Tree Grows In Seclusion Poem by Claudia Krizay

The year is at the summer’s time-
It has just rained a downpour, I believe-
I could hear the thunder clap-angels in the sky have displayed their fury.
I can remember the days I used to wander outside
After a storm has abated- Calmed by a gentle breeze,
I felt as if I was at heaven’s doorstep.

Leaves upon the trees were decorated with raindrops,
Quickly evaporating, while the world was at a rebirth,
The most peaceful feeling it was, the most mesmerizing to behold.
I am weeping tears that could have been those raindrops-
This morning I was leaving this world- This world so cruel I could not cope with,
My cry for help could not be silenced-

Now I find myself locked inside of this place
Where there are no windows and no escape-
No escape from the horrors of my imagination,
From voices inside of my mind commanding,
No escape from bewilderment-I can imagine the leaves upon the trees,
Raindrops sparkling as they consumed the sunlight-
Imagination has at times carried me towards
Places of massive confusion and catastrophe.

Today I know I must steer my thoughts toward my special heaven
In order to regain my sanity-I close my eyes
To begin to rebuild my dreams, to lose myself in a world of fantasy-
In this moment, I can foresee a tree emerging
From this worn and stained carpet where I am lying motionless-
Trees have always, with their unique bounty,
Been my magical saviors- carrying my thoughts to another realm.

I am thinking now of the magnificence of trees after a storm,
Sometimes blossoming daffodils surrounding,
The delicacy of dewdrops upon their petals and upon the leaves of the trees-
I hope that this flight of my imagination shall soon transform to reality.
Sometimes fantasy and reality are indistinguishable, I know, but
It has always been those dreams when I close my eyes that
Have given me the courage to persevere, and
Even though I am locked inside of this hell they call seclusion,
It is and always has been, my dreams that have carried me home
To a place where rainbows I believe shall emerge over time.