Three on their way to Reverie did pass an old and knotted tree,
its branches bare in twisted forms,
the sole survivor of violent storms.
And as they came upon the tree, the roads were washed away,
you see, no paths were visible for miles,
the happy troupe withdrew their smiles.
The Knotted Tree is a children’s parable. At its heart, the story speaks to the challenges and scars we encounter in life, represented by a weathered, knotted tree. To the casual observer, the tree may appear lifeless and broken, its tangled branches and twisted trunk a testament to hardships endured. Yet, the poem reveals a profound truth: those very knots and imperfections offer the strength and perspective needed to rise above adversity.
The Knotted Tree invites young readers to embrace their struggles, teaching that even life’s difficulties have a purpose. The tree becomes a metaphorical ladder, encouraging them to climb higher and see the world from new vantage points. By stepping onto its sturdy yet imperfect branches, they learn that their obstacles can serve as stepping stones to achieve their dreams.
For older audiences, the message transcends the simplicity of a children's tale, offering a universal truth: life is seldom a smooth path, and our scars are not marks of defeat but symbols of survival and growth. The poem emphasizes that clarity and purpose often come not just from seeing withour eyes, but from perceiving with our hearts, minds, and spirits. It reminds us that the journey forward requires courage, creativity, and faith in the possibilities that lie beyond what is immediately visible.
Ultimately, The Knotted Tree is a celebration of human resilience, inspiring all who read it to find strength in their struggles and use them to reach greater heights. It is a call to climb upon our own knotted trees, to see a brighter future, and to discover that within every hardship lies the potential for extraordinary growth.
I was raised in Bay Village, Ohio. I earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Baldwin Wallace University, where I majored in Studio Art with an emphasis in painting and printmaking and a minor in Psychology. I am currently working as a high school art teacher, where I teach painting and other two dimensional art forms. I continue to create my own artwork, which has been shown in different gallery exhibitions including, the Emerging Artists Series at Tri-C Gallery West, a solo art exhibition at the Cleveland Botanical Gardens, the North-East Ohio Print Invitational at Fawick Art Gallery, Continuing Conversations – From Woodblock to Inkjet at the Artists Archives of the Western Reserve and other printmaking exhibitions.
I enjoy teaching students to use art as a form of therapy. Through art, students learn to express themselves, think creatively, and communicate thoughts that are difficult to put into words. The concept of The Knotted Tree is important to me because working in a high school, I see thestruggles students have with mental health. I want students to see that the challenges in life are what make us stronger.
