“The Life of a Christmas Tree” by Gary R. Hess was first published in X-Mas in Shorts: Poetry for Christmas Cheer (Bright Dreams Journal Book 8).
This contemporary poem follows the life of a Christmas tree as it waits to be cut and brought into someone’s home to share the beautiful holidays with its new family.
THE LIFE OF A CHRISTMAS TREE by Gary R. Hess
The tree sat waiting
as his friends went missing.
One by one, they were chopped and hacked
and dragged along a snowy path.
Their conquerors would fling their
victims upon their armored horses
and ride off unto their unwelcoming caves.
Pointed leaves would drip from
their victims faces upon feeling
their lonesome chambers anew.
Waiting–waiting for their turn of stars
to light the universe of their capturers.
The moment would approach,
as water is placed beneath them
to prolong their suffering.
Rope-like chains would follow–
wrapped as if to keep the victim immovable.
Balls’d then be shackled to their crippled limbs.
Finally, a sardonic angel placed upon their heads.
All while the tree sat shaking, alone,
missing his friends.
