The Two Currents
A tree stands in all I do not know,
Its branches sweeping the air,
Its roots striking the dark ground.
The winds flow in and out,
Vigorously vigilant,
Executing their invisible law.
Currents above like currents below—
The air mimics the rushing water,
Severing both the wing and the root.
Copyright ©️ by D.W.Kadete
About the Poem
It may seem like this poem is about a tree suspended between the earth and sky. However, beneath its imagery, it reveals a deep truth about being alive. It's about the harsh violence that exists in everything caught between two opposing forces.
Here’s a breakdown of how the poem shifts from literal to figurative:
1. A Realm Beyond Knowing
“A tree is in all I don’t know.” The opening line shows that this is not just a poem about a physical object; it represents something that cannot be known. It connects with a state of being that just exists. That tree simply stands there, symbolizing a whole realm beyond what we, as humans, can see and categorize.
2. Between Breath and Being
Spliting the tree into two clear realms: The Sky represents the breaths and thoughts that link our inner and outer worlds. The Earth below symbolizes the unchanging point of connection to the present. “Vigorously vigilant” are key phrases, giving the “current of air” its own will and creating a sense of chaotic order. Air is not just a neutral background but a strong, almost greedy force acting under its own “law.”
3. The Violent Flow
The “current of air / on top / like that of water down here” in the final stanza is the turning point that throws us off balance. Blending the upper and lower worlds into one turbulent, liquid flow. Yet, this flood is not purifying; it is destructive—it “cut both wings and the roots” of the tree.
The Ultimate Meaning
The poem highlights the fragility of life. Being alive, like the tree, means staying rooted in a constantly uncertain place. We face strong, unseen forces that push and pull us. These forces can be emotional, intellectual, or physical. They cut through our conflicting desires for both freedom, represented by wings, and security, represented by roots. This leaves us open to outside influences.
Thank you for reading!