Today is the first day of Open Write at Ethical ELA. Today’s prompt was offered by Mo Daley.
Mo asks us to consider our place in the world, where we are, and who may have come before. I went to one of my favorite topics, the grandmother oak in my backyard.
I am also thinking about the upcoming Write Out from the National Writing Project in partnership with the National Parks. The theme this year is “Where We Stand”. Please consider writing outside this fall between Oct. 11-25, 2026. There are many student resources available.
Grandmother Oak
To enrich this earth,
I have planted my feet
in the solid arms
of grandmother oak planted
three hundred years ago.
Chitimacha women prayed over the sapling.
I do not wish to escape
her history
scarred into her flesh.
Let me feel it, stroke
her old skin worn
and strong—single survivor.
I praise her hold
of the sunrise
where I rise
to be blessed.
lovely. it is amazing how different oaks can look in different parts of the country. ours all tend to be straight and fat. is there a reason this tree sprawls wide and low to the earth?
Live oaks along the bayou all do that. I’m not sure why.
Oh, to be like a tree, satisfied with slow growth, doing no harm and yet so much good, carrying history in my arms, inspiring poetry!
Margaret, what a beautiful setting for Grandmother Oak. I love thinking of all the history she has seen. And how the mighty oak ties you and the women from the Chitimacha together.
oooh, la la I can comment today! I tried commenting yesterday and Word Press was not playing nice with me. I love the image of the women praying over the sapling…reminds me of the book, ‘The Underneath.’ Such ancient things these trees and such a part of life, still. Beautiful reflections in your poem.