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Creative Loafing Tampa Bay
Tampa poet Unspoken has the 'Blossoming Branches' of orchids and apple trees on his mind
By Unspoken,
14 days ago
“Blossoming Branches” juxtaposes orchids and apple trees, showcasing how the “ugly and gnarled” apple tree is stronger than the more beautiful orchid, forcing its way through the obstacles in its way so that it can grow to take root and bear fruit.
It’s a story of perseverance, using the apple tree as a metaphor for how we can grow past suffering, becoming stronger and providing wisdom and support for those who come after us. It’s meant to illustrate that while we may not be as appreciated as the delicate orchid, our scars have a proud beauty all their own, showing the world that despite all it had to throw at us, we stand tall, protecting those in our shade.
They’re picked out as seeds and meticulously cared for; they need that care from the moment they’re planted, so that when they blossom they’re delicate, and untouched by the harsh world around them.
If they don’t get just the right amount of water, they die. If they don’t get just the right amount of sunlight, they die. If they don’t get just the right amount of love, they die.
But if they’re cared for juuuuust right, orchids bloom and brighten the world for a little while, until they start to fade and wither. Soon the beautiful orchid that demanded all that care is gone, leaving behind only the memory of the beauty it used to have.
I am not an orchid. I’m not much to look at because my seed wasn’t planted. I was thrown onto the ground and pounded into the dirt until I cracked and bruised, surviving off of the smallest streaks of sunlight and dew drops.
Still, I grew.
I stood my ground and grew my roots until they stretched out around me; until I stood tall above the flowers; until my branches reached up towards the sun.
Still, I grew.
Ripping rock and crushing concrete, I forced myself through every crack in my way, taking root and taking a stand to say
“I AM HERE!”
I am an apple tree. Beneath burlwood scars and breakaway branches, I stand strong; and when those branches blossom, it will be with the fruits of my labor; apples grown and full of knowledge for those who come next.
I am an apple tree, plain and ugly and gnarled, yet I grow taller and taller still; keeping safe the orchids that grow at my roots, blossoming in my shade.
For National Poetry Month, Creative Loafing Tampa Bay asked Dennis Amadeus, who leads The GrowHouse Collective based in Ybor City, Florida, to help us reach unsung poets. We asked them to write about trees—any trees—and they responded.
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