The Tree That Never Grew

This poem can be found on the side of the Glasgow University Library, right around the corner of the main entrance. It tell the story of the city of Glasgow, depicted through the legend of St Mungo.

The tree that never grew

Lose ourselves in the history
of mine and steel and ships,
the glorious empire   something shaming,
trade and tobacco lording
over golden and red sandstone
where the tree newer grew,
the bird never flew,
the fish never swam,
the bell never rang.

Among stones balanced on stones
for height, splendour and fame
ancestors linger, edge us on to chase
dreams defying stresse and strains,
to build stronger and grander and higher,
resenting that the tree never grew,
the bird never flew,
the fish never swam,
the bell never rang.

Conversing with past we build our future,
limits expand with the universe.
Ideas from afar ebb and flow
through windows, door open
for the drift into spaces between
where trees can grow,
birds can fly and sing,
fish can swim,
bell and ring,
and the ring binds us all together.

IEE Lees

I’m going to try to get a better shot of this one day, to avoid having my reflection in the photo, and make the poem stand out more. Maybe a night shot?

[Poll #2: What is your connection to Glasgow University?]
Click on the photo above for a larger version.
© 2009 GlasgowUniPhoto.com