Ode to Whispering Pines
By Jeana Rippy Rayfield
Verdant pines sway-scenting my childhood each day.
O’er fair fragrant carpeted needles we trod.
Climbing brisk aboard bright school bound buses,
we grew like trees in wisdom and stature, where
The pines whispered wonder.
Evergreen hope sprouted perpetually.
Like young plants grown up-from seeds to saplings,
future bankers, bakers, teachers…and dear friends
play barefoot in firefly lit limb-laced shadows.
The pines whispered freedom.
‘Midst dry times our outdoor cathedral stood strong.
Walking the green groves in quiet youthful reverence,
Heaven-sent tidings bold yet softly spoken
A home place to triumph dire darkness and win.
The pines whispered of grace.
Pine foliage remained bright through all seasons
Time-stamped memories anchor even souls shaken
Offering refuge to unsheltered kinsmen.
Abiding forever; a sweet blessed gift.
The pines whispered freedom.
Maturity called from beyond the old pines.
From wood which comes paper to write upon.
Transported, educated, and uplifted
as rustling voice of the pines whispers our song.
The pines whispered of strength.
Not of strength sapped but of a firm faith fueled
in supernal pine nature I stand, amazed
Knotty, Loblolly, Longleaf, Scotch, Yellow, White
Tree music in breezes blow, life onward flows
‘Til they whisper me home
Thank you for reading!
I am grateful for those childhood memories formed in the years when I was growing up in the Whispering Pines neighborhood in my North Carolina home.