Thread: Suicidal Tree

The Christmas tree is up,
filling the house with the smell
of anticipation.

Gaudy in its best clothes,
the tree waits for the still, calm time
right before we divest it
of its purpose.

It stands so straight and proud
you almost might think
that it is not dying,
propped up by some metal
and fed some water
now and again.

I like to think
that Christmas trees are depressed.
They were waiting out in the cold among their brothers,
waiting for the end,
grumbling like old bitter men.

This is a release for them,
a quick death that the sour gents wished for.

My tree does not mind
the way the kitten tears its lower branches off,
or the bright red and white balls
mockingly hung off its lifeless limbs.

He welcomes his funeral,
as do I -
after all, doesn't it end
with lots and lots of presents
for me?

I love the thought of Christmas trees as dour old men just waiting to be offed. Very original thought that somehow tickles me. And Christmas trees everywhere are being assaulted by the cat, I know mine used to treat the tree as their personal play house.

It reminds me very much of "The Fir Tree" by H.C. Andersen. Give it a read if you find the time, it's a very wise sort-a-Christmas story! H.C. Andersen : The Fir Tree :: www.andersen.sdu.dk :: H.C. Andersen Centret

I liked your piece. I take its tone as sarcastic, and see it as how us greedy humans romanticize the chopping down of fir for Christmas, and in the end, it's mostly just the presents that's the peak of it all.

Love this Damien, right up my alley. S4 is to die for as are the following two lines. Call me crazy, but your last three seem to be a bit of a departure for you, intentional? You're on a serious roll, hon, keep 'em coming.

Best,
Lisa

Thanks for all the input, guys. I pretend the tree is suicidal because otherwise I feel guilty for killing it. : )