The Tree of Renown

Long ago, there stood a tree, a tree with deep and sturdy root

Its pears were sweet, all could agree its strongest limb earned disrepute.

*

For from that branch, strung up on high,

Many souls would hang and die

*

The tree cared not for people’s skin, its fruits were yellow, green, OR red

But then pale men made it a sin to be a darker shade instead

*

Now in that town was a young boy whose job was caring for the tree

He’d hug its trunk, his pride and joy, he’d water, trim, and climb with glee.

*

He’d tell the tree, “It’s not your fault, that you are picked to end their lives.

You go on growing, don’t you halt,” and so, the pear tree grows and thrives.

*

Yet from that branch, strung up on high,

More souls would come to hang and die

*

This boy grew up, as young men do and brought a girl to climb the tree.

Their skin was not the same in hue, but love had blossomed, pure and free.

*

The tree was happy for the two, and gave them sweetest pears to eat

They climbed up high and kissed in view of Mayor Jones, the town’s elite.

*

The mayor watched the two above, and quaked in anger at their gall

He vowed to end their shameful love, for here, he was the lord of all.

*

There were no jury trials then, the accused had no recourse

The tree saw death again and again, for hatred was the stronger force.

*

And from that branch, strung up on high,

More souls would come to hang and die

*

The couple wailed and pled and cried, but words were moaned in vain.

A crowd came ‘round from far and wide to watch with clear disdain.

*

The girl was ushered forward first, the noose around her neck

And forced to watch was all the worst - the boy, a shaking wreck.

*

But then the girl, she caught his eye and yelled so all could hear,

“I’ll love you ‘til the time I die, and then, in Heaven, my dear.”

*

And then, his girl, strung up on high,

She fell down low to hang and die

*

The boy was next, he knew his fate, and the tree convulsed in fear.

The branch broke under his light weight, yet men were standing near.

*

A shot rang out, the boy fell down, the ground was turning red.

The people from the wretched town all cheered that they were dead.

*

Long ago, there stood a tree, a tree with deep and sturdy root.

That day it crumbled to debris and bore not one more fruit.

Although this is a fictional tree, it is a crying shame that these kinds of hangings took place. From Hitler to Sadaam Hussein, it seems that humans do not get the message that love should be stronger than hate. From Martin Luther King Junior, Mother Theresa, Black Lives Matter, and others, they should. The common saying, “Those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it” comes to mind. How many more people must suffer before we learn this wisdom? To quote Bob Dylan, "...how many ears must one man have /Before he can hear people cry? /Yes, and how many deaths will it take 'til he knows /That too many people have died?"

Children are often better at getting along with children of other skin tones than adults, which indicates that hatred is taught and learned. Sheepish people believe what they are taught and then teach their own children the same messages. Breaking this cycle of hatred isn’t going to be easy.

I implore you to look inward. Do you personally demonstrate love of others? Are you teaching your children to love all others?

I implore you to look outward. Are you aware when someone is treated unfairly - and sometimes cruelly - because of skin tone, gender, or orientation?

Are you willing to speak up?

If so, I applaud your courage. Peace and love...