SHE STOOD ALONE ON THE BEACH

Photo by Touristang Pobre.  Location,  Jeff's Pirate Cove, #4 Talofofo, Guam, U.S.A. 

After circumnavigating the Island of Guam, I found this solitary tree standing on the beachfront of Jeff's Pirates Cove, a Restaurant and Bar located at #4, Talofofo, Eastside of Guam.  The tree is facing the vast Pacific Ocean. I was immediately struck by its aura.  Then I thought that probably I will write a short poem in her honor. So, here is my poem entitled:

In Her Solitude.

I've traveled far and wide.
From one coast to this coast, I saw you standing on the seaside.
I noticed you were standing all alone.
Solitary and peaceful on that coast you call home.

Your strength surprised me.
Storms, strong winds, and the rushing tides of the sea
Strike you endlessly to make you bend your knee.
But there you are, still standing free and mighty as that sea.

If you were like us and faced today's challenges,
Will you protect yourself from all these drastic changes?
Better not, my friend; just face the music as it comes.
Just like this solitary tree that bravely faces all possible outcomes.

You are a tree; I am a human.
But the challenges you face are the same for everyone.
It is in your sturdiness that we should learn from now on.
To face life's challenges with bravery, head-on.

The strength of nature is more powerful than your own.
Ripping your leaves, your bark, your roots, and everything else that can be blown
Away from you and from your very foundation
Making you leave the very spot, traceless, and then unknown.

For a while, nothing was seen from where you stood.
There was no trace of your tears, your struggles, or what your life had been.
Then, one day, a small seedling grows to make your spot its new abode.
A rebirth, a new experience, a new challenge, a new place under heaven

Where love can again bloom and be nurtured forever,
Until a new seedling appears to fulfill a promise of life's eternity,
That tree is as eternal as you and me.

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The poem was written by
Henry C. Libo-on, New Jersey, U.S.A.

May 3, 2014.

Together with his family, they went to Jeff's Pirates Cove for lunch.  After their meals, he decided to have a walk near the beach and there he saw a solitary tree standing near the beach.  Immediately he was inspired to see such a lonely looking but sturdy tree that he composed this Poem for her.  The writer thanks Jeff's Pirates Cove for leaving this tree alone on the beach and let her grow for as long as she may last.

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Notes about this Tree.

It is the only tree standing on the shoreline located at the back of this popular resto-bar - Jeff's Pirates Cove at Talofofo, Guam Island, U.S.A.  After our lunch, we strolled the well-manicured lawns at the back of Jeff's.  My daughter Farah and her husband Naoki, together with my grandchildren Aaron and Emi, my daughter Tin and my wife Divine enjoyed our afternoon walk feeling the cool breeze touched our skin and face.

Palm trees were swaying and dancing with the strong wind coming from the Pacific Ocean but my attention was caught by this solitary tree as it sways gracefully every time the strong breeze touched it.

As the only tree facing the vast Pacific Ocean, I was intimidated to look at her still standing there on that spot and no other tree could be seen near her.  I imagine how strong the wind had been specifically when there is a storm.  I imagine how difficult it is for her to keep herself rooted so as not to give in on the lashing of strong winds, rain, and storm.  So, I wrote her a poem as a tribute to her sturdiness and will to survive despite her being close to danger and unimaginable challenges the weather may bring.  That is how In Her Solitude became a poem for this solitary tree located at the back of Jeff's Pirates Cove at Talofofo, Guam, U.S.A.

Updated on February 14, 2018.
Updated on March 18, 2020.