The Old Winter Oak
A Sestina Inspired By A Beautiful Work By Angie Livingstone, The Glittering Fox, For The Vocal "Roots and Branches" Challenge

Introduction
This is my seventy-fourth piece inspired by Angie Livingstone's inspirational artwork. I love the beautiful autumnal colours in this work.
Our book, "The Art Of The Glittering Fox", is now available on Amazon throughout the world.
This is an Ekphrastic Sestina
Here is The Glittering Fox's Facebook Page
This is her Etsy Store
The music is "Ring Out, Solstice Bells" by Jethro Tull
The Old Winter Oak
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'Tis Winter Now, Come Look And See
The Splendour Of This Ancient Tree
Where Roots And Branches, Here They Be
And All Gods Creatures, Safe And Free
See Its Magnificent Beauty
A Calm Place Of Sanctuary
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The Badger Finds Sanctuary
Take A Look Now And You Will See
In This Place Of Ancient Beauty
Under The Old Winter Oak Tree
Where The Wisest Owl Can Fly Free
This Is Their Holy Place To Be
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Roots And Branches Will Always Be
In This Oaken Sanctuary
Where Nature Can Feel Safe And Free
Under The Stars We All Can See
Winter Radiance Of This Tree
A Shining Iconic Beauty
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Fallen Leaves Leaving Stark Beauty
Here, After Winter, Spring Will Be
And Green Will Be This Fine Oak Tree
With Strong Roots Of Sanctuary
Foliage And Acorns To See
On These Fine Branches, Swaying Free
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The Fox Here Call Always Run Free
The Red-breasted Robin's Beauty
Bright Colours For Us All To See
Where Our Roots And Branches Will Be
In Everyone's Sanctuary
Protected By The Winter Tree
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Here By The Old Winter Oak Tree
The Squirrel Gathers Acorns Free
From Branches Of Sanctuary
Oak And Stars In Shining Beauty
The Old Oak's Roots And Branches Be
The Ancient Strength We All Can See
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Ancient Tree Such Perfect Beauty
Where Nature's Free Will Always Be
A Sanctuary All Can See
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About the Creator
Reader insights
Outstanding
Excellent work. Looking forward to reading more!
Top insights
Excellent storytelling
Original narrative & well developed characters
Heartfelt and relatable
The story invoked strong personal emotions
On-point and relevant
Writing reflected the title & theme


Comments (6)
Quite a lovely entry into the challenge, Mike! I love this line: "Where Nature Can Feel Safe And Free."โฃ๐ณ๐ฆ๐ฆ
Mr. Mike another brilliantly written poem about the seasons as well as the art.
Beautifully captured her painting into a wonderful poem
Great use of form, as always, Mike. The artwork is amazing too, of course.
Lovely ๐ฉต๐ฉต
I love a cozy winter poem ๐ฅฐ