LesleyScoble.com

I wrote my poem THE BEITH TREE in the cyhydedd hir style in response to Colleen M. Chesebro’s of WordCraftPoetry syllabic poetry challenge. To write a syllabic poem about your specific tree according to Celtic Astrology.

Syllabic Poetry Challenge
This week’s challenge from Tanka Tuesday is to find out what type of tree you are, based on Celtic Tree Astrology! 
Find your tree sign HERE.
Then write a syllabic poem that incorporates your tree into the syllabic poem. Please copy your tree information on your post, so we can see which tree you are. 

I wrote THE BEITH TREE in the Welsh poetry form cyhydedd hir because the Welsh are Celts, aren’t they? A Celt poetry form for an Astrological Celt Tree makes sense, doesn’t it?

The Cyhydedd Hir

Written in two quatrains. 19 syllables per verse. The first three lines have five syllables each. The fourth line has four syllables. This fourth line sets up the follow on rhyme for the next verse. Therefore, the cyhydedd hir must have more than one verse.

My birthday is January 5th, therefore my tree is the Birch tree.

BIRCH – THE ACHIEVER

DECEMBER 24 – JANUARY 20
Birch signs are often highly driven and motivate others. You are always reaching for more, seeking better horizons and obtaining higher aspirations. Birch signs (just like the tree) are tolerant, tough, and resilient. You are cool-headed and are natural-born rulers, often taking command when a situation calls for leadership. You are a natural leader and do best taking the lead. When in touch with your softer side, you also bring beauty in otherwise barren spaces, brightening up a room with your guile, and charming crowds with your quick wit. Your sign is compatible with Vine and Willow signs.

The Beith Tree

I made some research into the birch tree to discover that the Celts named it the Beith (or Beth) tree. My mother always called me Lizzie. Lizzie is from the name Elizabeth. Could it be that my real name should be Eliza Birch Tree?

THE BEITH TREE

Beith ethereal bark,
  soughing leafy arc
          swaying in the park
                         Whispering free 

                            Playing zephyr tunes         
   Notes of secret moons
    spell Celtic fortunes
                        My spirit tree

Lesley Scoble, 6th July 2023

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NOTES 
If you love trees, please visit the One Tree Planted site. To discover what your tree is—and maybe get to plant a few trees…

Native American Tradition
As well as the Celts, some Native North American cultures and traditions also considered the birch tree sacred. 
The wood of the birch tree is lightweight and yet strong. The wood bark used in traditional making of canoes, containers and even writing materials.

THANKS
My thanks to Colleen for this inspiring syllabic poetry prompt.

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Lesley lives in the City of London Square Mile. An artist, actor and sculptor (her first ceramic sculpture won the V&A inspired by… Award). Scenic artist & book illustrator, playwright, (her musical play, Rapscallion performed in inner city schools and theatre school); TV dancer; Animator and illustrator for TV production. Set up Pinecone Studios Ltd and IIMSI Ltd drama and filmmaking workshops in London – producing award-winning films made by children.