Photo: from hyperactivz.com and the story “Forty Years Ago This Man Planted A
Tree That Created Amazing Opportunities For His Island” by Lauren Fazackarly – The Story of Jadav Payeng who began planting trees at sixteen and is still going.
Please note: this is only one story, there are several stories from all over the world of people doing similar feats to greater or lesser extent.
“Society grows great when old men plant trees whose shade they know they will never sit in.” Greek Proverb
Every Time
He settled in the dust of his soul,
the sun beating down and
mocking his every effort
drawing his moisture to his brow,
and yet every day he rose and
without fail, made his way
to his field of dreams
that barren canvas of life’s struggles,
of course, without knowing,
passers-by smiled their condescension,
to them he was an eccentric farmer,
while in his own mind he was an
investment banker, and adventurer, a rebel,
and every time he planted a tree he knew
he was painting a masterpiece
whose abstract nature only he could explain.
©Paul Vincent Cannon
Paul, pvcann.com
parallax 
What a vision he has had and the strength to make it happen.
“he was painting a masterpiece,” indeed.
A beautiful tribute, Paul.
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So inspiring, thank you so much Amy.
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Very nice. Some desecrate the land and others decorate it to create an abstract masterpiece.
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I like the decorate, wonderful thought, many thanks.
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So true, Paul! And you made a masterpiece too. Thank you, Michael
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Much appreciated Michael, thank you.
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Reblogging this to my readers at sister site Poetic Justice
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Many thanks Ana
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😌
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Timely! I was just reading about the 1 Trillion Trees campaign. ❤
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Yes, what a wonderful campaign too, this guy is so inspiring.
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Beautiful, words, photo and concept
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Pingback: Every Time – Poetic Justice
Thank you Ana
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I love the originality and freshness of this poem. Well planted.
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Yes, he’s so inspiring, many thanks Pat.
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I really enjoyed this! In this “every man for himself” age, huray for those people who have the foresight to plant trees.
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Thank you Christine, yes an inspiration.
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Don’t ya just wish more of
A beautiful poem. Reminds me of Wendell Berry ‘s advice: Plant sequoias. You have inspired me! I sometimes feature trees on my blog, but I think I will be more intentional about it. Tree Tuesday, or something like that? Ha! Thanks for sharing!😊
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Wonderful, yes, I’m as fan of Berry so much to like about him. I hope we can all somehow plant seeds across the net of how important they are. Glad it stirred you. 🙂
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Was going to say I wished more people would even just THINK more about nature, but I was distracted.🌲
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yes, I share that wish.
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I love this – your choice of words, the clarity of image, and the reminder that only we alone need to “see” in order to achieve.
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Yes, that’s it really, it is down to us, thank you for teasing that out VJ and your thoughtful words.
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Welcome, Paul!
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Reblogged this on The Reluctant Poet.
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I do appreciate what you do 🙂
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Thanks a lot Paul!! I so appreciate your comment!! 😁✨👍
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Much deserved 🙂
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I love the uplifting story and your poetic tribute to it. One person can make a difference! Thanks also for sharing the Greek proverb. I hadn’t heard it before, and it is so well-said.
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Yes the proverb is a beauty. And this man is so inspiring. Thank you for sharing your response Liz.
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“He settled in the dust of his soul”, already from the beginning it draws the readers in. After that is was a really nice cadence flow. Amazing job, like usual…
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Mitchy what a lovely response thank you so much.
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So inspiring – I think this is what I would rather be doing
>
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Yes, I would too.
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