Haiku for a friend

My dear friend, JL, turned 70 in the summer of 2024 and her family asked for contributions to a ‘Book of Affirmations’ they were creating for her. The result brought her great joy and delight, and is a permanent record of the love we all have for her. What an amazing way to start her seventies!!

This is my contribution – she is known by many of us as the Mighty Oak – a metaphor for all that she encapsulates in life. This is for you, dear friend.

Sacred Mighty Oak,
Invites shelter and respite.
beneath widespread boughs

This is holy ground
the place where heaven bows down
and kisses the earth 

Troubled people come
To sit and shelter with her
For a little while

Under her branches
She offers consolation
and companionship

Sitting in silence
Contemplating ancient words
of wisdom and truth 

Sacred Mighty Oak
Remains present, focussed, still
restrains fear and grief

“It is well”, they cry,
‘Here, in this place, all is well,
Now, and forever.”

The rustling of leaves
as the warm wind passes through
brings quiet witness

Mighty Oak softens,
Her purpose being fulfilled
Brings ease and delight.

One of my favourite walks in Hampshire (UK) is around a stately home called Mottisfont. The River Test runs on its border and there stands an ancient oak, called either the Mottisfont, Pendunculate or Oakley Oak.  It is one of the oldest oak trees in the UK and has such gravitas. It has been changed by the weather over the centuries.