A recent visitor Romney Manor, the home of Caribelle Batik was sufficiently inspired to write a poem. The poem is basically dedicated to “the tree”, a huge 350 year old SAMAN TREE.

“The tree” watches over all the activities at Romney Manor, it is both awesome and spiritual. It is not surprising that someone had been moved sufficiently by the tree's presence to record her emotions.

The tree
by Sue Mackiewicz
of Middletown, CT, USA

A majestic Saman tree for hundreds of years has stood,
And now under its canopy a chair of carved wood
Shading the chair from the sun and rain
Through changing times of laughter and pain
Decades ago the seed started to grow
And a fragile shoot started to show
And there on the hill high above the sea
Began the life of an amazing tree.
As time went by the tree watches below
As war began and blood would flow
Sadly watching slaves toil in the sun
Sugar cane for miles-their work never done
The tree grew on-a strong symbol of pride
Its branches stretching out for all to see
A pinnacle of strengthen-a wish all could be free.
Years later at last the island peace
After years of hardship a welcome release
Tranquil and quiet the tree stands still
In its shadow a ruin of the sugar mill
Now under the branches children laugh and play
Lovers meet and go their separate way
Such a special place they thought to add a seat
In the shade and calm-a peaceful retreat.
I am here for a visit –I wish I could stay
For moment I sit –how many passed this way?
Through the leaves of green –the suns rays of gold
Ghosts of Caribbean Legends untold.
I only sat for moment –on this chair that I love
Alone but for the wind in the branches above
But I will keep this eternal place in my mind
For more special tree I will never find.