The Party Tree | A Poem

The Party Tree

By Jenny Chasteen

Do you remember, last September,

Ocean wind blew from the west,

And rustled lanterns in the party tree, your favorite place to rest?

Although the dark extinguished day, the shadows turned around to flee

‘Cause a thousand stars were twined around

The Party Tree.

Do you recall late last fall,

When rumors whispered from the east

About the sniffing, sharp-clawed riders galloping on midnight beasts? 

Then the horrors found your haven, so you packed your bags to flee;

Cast a last glance back behind you at

The Party Tree.

Do you remember, by December, 

Winter set into your bones-- 

Your shoulder aching, stomach quaking, East Road taking you from home?

But the flight became a fight for home and friendship, memory;

So you took another step, strong for

The Party Tree.

But if you think that by the spring

All will be healed, you’ll grieve to see

The killers came while you were gone, and they cut down 

The Party Tree.

So I know that you’ll keep searching for a haven bright and green,

And your journey through the dark brought home

A Magic Seed.