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Balsam Tree (An Answer to William Blake)

This is inspired by William Blake's "Poison Tree," by Psalm 1, and by the story of Jonah and the branch God made as shade for him. Balsam was a source of balm, which was used to heal. The poem intended to show that our tears can bring life to ourselves and others, as when we sympathize with people who experience the same sadness we have felt.


Though they ask you why you go
Though you question, too, yourself,
Though they wonder why your foe
Rests content in your ill health

You find peace, they know not why,
While they rage against the breach
And feel joy though you still cry
As you pray with still soft speech

For these tears in sadness wept
Water ground that's dry with thirst
In the soil this sadness kept
Rouses life from what was cursed

Then you rise to find full shade
From a tree the tears did grow,
Turn to offer what God made
To the scorched who was your foe

And in silence both you sit
'Neath a tree not of your make
Mulling stories neither writ
Penned divine for both your sake.
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