2013 30 Day Image Prompt Contest Book

"The Sentinels" (Poetry/Day 3 Entry)

The Sentinels

They stand in silence, watching all,
their roots sunk deep in earth,
as white concrete holds them in thrall
far from their place of birth.

So common that we pass them by,
without a second thought;
No more than shadows in the sky
ignoring all they’ve taught.

We see them more like ornaments
to brighten up our days
ignoring their whispered laments.
It’s beauty that we praise.

We understood, in times long past,
that we each play a role.
We worked together, as time passed,
to keep our planet whole.

But now the lessons are ignored,
the forests disappear
beneath the weight of plow and sword;
their cries we cannot hear.

They stand in silence, watching all,
praying that we will hear their call.


Day 3 – "Invalid Item" 
Prompt: Image 2

thrall ~ someone held in bondage; a slave

Rhyme scheme: a/b/a/b/
Meter: 8/6/8/6/