For Love of Trees

Edward Hujsak
Mina-Helwig
ISBN 9781886133112
Reviewed by Irene Watson for Reader Views (12/09)

 

Edward Hujsak states at the beginning of his poetry book “I have this thing about trees, as I’m certain others do – it borders on reverence.”  I, for one, agree with him. I admire the strength trees portray in their majestic ways, regardless if they are straight, gnarled, or have a great canopy.  In fact, trees are much like human life, in spite of the outside appearance there is a specific demeanor that is exuded.

Hujsak’s poems, along with photos of the trees, bring the reader much closer to the trees, and nature itself.  For example, in “Georgia Pine” he says “A lone woodpecker’s staccato beat invades the quiet.”  Another example is in “Baobab” where he says “Tonight a leopard will stretch across your loins and sleep.”  Both short sentences, but Hujsak allows us to wander past his written word and into the realm of thoughts and pictures in the mind.

“White Birch” made me smile because it brings back memories of childhood.  As a child I remember stripping the bark of a birch tree and making toy canoes.  My favorite was “Poplar” because it brought even more memories for me.  Living in the northern part of Canada this was a tree that was abundant. Sentences like “The slap of the beavers’ tails on the water, alarmed that I had disturbed their woodcutting” brought even more vivid memories for me.  I reflected back to my childhood, sitting on the banks of a creek, watching the beavers building the dams that eventually would flood the area.  I also reflected on the destruction of the dams by my father to prevent the flooding and the persistence by the beavers to rebuild, again and again. 

Although the book is short as are the poems, Hujsak doesn’t have to give many words to draw the reader into his realm.  His deep feelings of reverence certainly are expressed through his thoughts and expressions. “For Love of Trees” by Edward Hujsak is definitely a collection that will bring you closer to nature, and to yourself.

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