The tree stands still
It's trunk slightly larger than
Before
The
Bomb.
The sickening thud
Inside his belly
Knowing
The
End
Was
Near.

The treee stands straight
It's trunk slightly blacker than
Before
the
Flash.
Leaves crinkling dry
In an instant like
Overcooked
Crisp
Brown
Dried
Bacon.

The tree stands shaken
No longer self confident
Seeing
It's
Demise.
Growth rings ending
Roots slowly drying
Shrivelled
Sapped
Life
Taken

The tree slumps over
It's form vague and unknown
Devoid
Of
Life.
The President
Living underground
Ambushed
Entombed
soon
to
be
demised.




© Allen Ansell 2025




Allen Ansell's poem "The Tree Stands" presents a poignant exploration of destruction and resilience in the face of violence, specifically referencing the impact of war and nuclear devastation. Through the use of vivid imagery, structural choices, and thematic depth, Ansell crafts a powerful narrative that reflects on the relationship between nature and humanity.

The poem begins with the simple yet profound image of a tree, which serves as a symbol of life, endurance, and the natural world. The repetition of the phrase "The tree stands" establishes a rhythmic anchor, suggesting both stability and a sense of defiance against the chaos surrounding it. The tree's trunk, described as "slightly larger" and "slightly blacker," evokes the physical changes wrought by trauma, hinting at the scars left by violence. The juxtaposition of the tree's growth with the ominous references to "the Bomb" and "the Flash" conjures the horrors of nuclear warfare, emphasizing how such events irrevocably alter both the environment and the psyche.

Imagery plays a crucial role in the poem, particularly in the lines that compare the crinkling leaves to "Overcooked Crisp Brown Dried Bacon." This simile is striking and unsettling, as it contrasts the organic with the grotesque, evoking a sense of loss and decay. The sensory details invite readers to visualize the aftermath of destruction, reinforcing the theme of life being consumed by violence. The transition from the tree's initial strength to its eventual "slumped" state mirrors the psychological impact of trauma, illustrating how even the most resilient forms of life can be diminished by external forces.

Furthermore, the poem's structure, with its fragmented lines and strategic line breaks, creates a sense of disorientation that reflects the chaos of the events described. The use of enjambment enhances the flow of thought, mirroring the ongoing nature of destruction and the unrelenting passage of time. The final stanza introduces a stark contrast with the mention of "The President / Living underground," suggesting a disconnect between leadership and the realities faced by the natural world and its inhabitants. This commentary on power dynamics highlights the futility of political actions in the face of existential threats.

In conclusion, Ansell's "The Tree Stands" serves as a haunting meditation on the interplay between nature and human conflict. Through masterful use of imagery, structure, and thematic resonance, the poem evokes a deep sense of sorrow and reflection on the consequences of violence, urging readers to consider the fragility of life in a world marked by destruction.