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Brushwood Center
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  • Tides: A Prelude ยท 2020-2021
  • >
  • I Heard an Oak Tree

I Heard an Oak Tree

Picture
In 2013, I was asked to curate the poetry for a sound and light installation by Italian artist Marco Nereo Rotelli at Northwestern University. Marco asked me to write a poem about saving trees. And I HEARD AN OAK TREE appeared.

Dual Panel Mixed Media Acrylic on Acrylic with Recycled Plastic, 28” x 24.” Click here to inquire about purchasing this piece.

I HEARD AN OAK TREE

And it was in a garden I heard that sound, 
A deep groan, like a bass note 
searching for the root. 

I heard a collision, like hands 
pushing aside dirt,
clearing a path for light
to pour into the center of the earth.

I heard a chord
echoing rumours of
sunsets kissing a canopy
of trees
​And strains of rain streaming life into your limbs.
I heard the Knowing that we belong to
Sameness To earth, to sun, to stars,
to mountains, oceans, trees….
Elements forming you, forming me

With the window open
     (the way you like to sleep)
     I heard an oak tree
     lamenting in the breeze,
     
     "I was here before you,
         rooted,
               like you,
         reaching
                   like you."

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21850 N. Riverwoods Rd.
​Riverwoods, IL 60015

224.633.2424 info@brushwoodcenter.org
Brushwood Center at Ryerson Woods is committed to enabling the participation and enjoyment of our programming and events for all visitors. At Brushwood Center, you will have open access to accessible parking and entrance to the house, a gender neutral bathroom, and changing tables.
If you require certain accommodations in order to observe or attend our events, or have questions regarding accessibility of our facilities, please contact our Manager of Public Programs and Communications, Parker Nelson, at pnelson@brushwoodcenter.org or at (224) 633-2424 ext. 1.
Programming and events at Brushwood Center is available to everyone, including but not limited to age, disability, gender, marital status, national origin, race, religion, and sexual orientation.​
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and by appointment 
  • ABOUT
    • Our Mission and Vision
    • Our Board
    • Our Partners
    • Our Staff
    • In the News
    • Blog
    • Join Our Mailing List
    • Visit Us
    • Contact Us
  • EVENTS
  • ART
    • Gallery >
      • Current & Upcoming Exhibitions
      • Past Exhibitions
    • BASE - Brushwood Art Supply Exchange
    • Classes >
      • Botanical Art Academy
      • Create and Sip Classes
    • Calls for Art
  • MUSIC
  • WELLNESS
    • 2022 Nature Explorer Backpack Project
    • Health, Equity, and Nature Accelerator
    • At Ease: Nature and Art for Veterans
    • It's A W.I.N. - Programming for Community
    • Senior Wellness
  • RENTALS
  • SUPPORT
    • Donate
    • Become a Partner
    • Volunteer & Job Opportunities
    • Our Sponsors
    • Shopping Cart