‘Those bloody bleeding hearts,’ he said, and I thought,
‘Of course. If they’re bleeding, they would be bloody.’
‘What can you expect,’ he said, ‘from such tree-huggers?
They’re so green!’ and I wondered, was it from the leaves?
A bleeding heart, I suppose, must be one that’s dying. A tree-hugger, though, would be embracing life. It doesn’t add up.
‘They talk a lot of rot!’ he said. But when I listened, I found
their words were not of rotting, but for keeping the living alive.
Written for Friday Writings #55: Bleeding Hearts, at Poets and Storytellers United.
Rosemary, your last line fits my experiences; I have a 'tree hugger' daughter who works for BP, British Petroleum. They on Arbor Day sponsor tree planting outings. She IS tender hearted; she gets that from me. Whether or not it bleeds I just have to guess.
ReplyDelete..
Well I'm a little bit tongue-in-cheek of course. But my last line is serious.
DeleteThis reminds me of a significant forest conservation movement by rural women in India in the 70s... now all the more relevant and yet the destruction never stops...all for "progress"....
ReplyDeleteSad!
DeleteChipko? Yes, that was the source of the phrase. I'm sorry to read that the destruction didn't stop.
DeleteI remember hearing things like that when I was growing up too (not typically from either parent, but other adults). It's funny how it sounds even more nonsensical once I grew up (and sadder too).
ReplyDeleteNot from my parents either (who would have been more likely to attract those labels!) but I've heard them from plenty others and seen them nowadays in social media.
DeleteTouche! I thought the same type of thoughts the first time I heard that saying.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad to know that, Colleen! My piece is fictional really, and these thoughts only just occurred to me after reading Magaly's prompt and wondering how to address it. Glad it rings true!
DeleteI really like the speaker's voice and tone, the humorous play on words and meaning. I also love the ending, the acknowledgment of what matters.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the prompt, and for 'getting' this so well.
DeleteI found their words were not of rotting,
ReplyDeletebut for keeping the living alive.
That is a better way of looking at it. Beautiful last line Rosemary!
Hank
Thank you, dear Hank!
DeleteThe climate change deniers are the ones talking rot.
ReplyDeleteThat's what i gather from your lovely poem. :)
Them among others; anyone who prioritises profit and convenience above the needs of our natural world. Thanks for the 'lovely'!
DeleteIf only the glum hearts would be open to listen.
ReplyDeleteIndeed yes!
DeleteLove it!...We need more bleeding hearts and more listening ears.
ReplyDeleteThank you, dear Susie! Good to hear from you.
DeleteYes Rosemary, a full of love bleeds even unto nature. Making a great point
DeleteThank you, Jossina.
DeleteWhat would this world be if not for tender, "bleeding" hearts!?
ReplyDeleteExactly!
Delete