Poets logo

The Old Winter Oak

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

By Mike Singleton πŸ’œ Mikeydred Published 3 months ago β€’ Updated 3 months ago β€’ 1 min read
"The Old Winter Oak" By Angie Livingstone, The Glittering Fox,

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

πŸŒ³πŸπŸŒŸπŸ‡β„οΈπŸŒ³β„οΈπŸ¦‰πŸŒŸπŸ¦ŠπŸŒ³

'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

β„οΈπŸŒ³β„οΈ

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

β„οΈπŸŒ³β„οΈ

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

β„οΈπŸŒ³β„οΈ

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

β„οΈπŸŒ³β„οΈ

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

β„οΈπŸŒ³β„οΈ

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

β„οΈπŸŒ³β„οΈ

Ancient Tree Such Perfect Beauty

Where Nature's Free Will Always Be

A Sanctuary All Can See

πŸŒ³πŸπŸŒŸπŸ‡β„οΈπŸŒ³β„οΈπŸ¦‰πŸŒŸπŸ¦ŠπŸŒ³

nature poetrySestinainspirational

About the Creator

Mike Singleton πŸ’œ Mikeydred

A Weaver of Tales and Poetry

Backup A/C

7 ֎ Fb ֎ β™«

In ֎ YT ֎ § ֎ BS

Glittering Fox Book

Vocal Ideas For You

Join & Share In VSS

Creationati

Call Me Les β™₯ Gina β™₯ Heather β™₯ Caroline β™₯

Dhar β™₯ Annie β™₯ Judey β™₯ Harper β™₯

Misty β™₯ Melissa β™₯ Ma C β™₯

Reader insights

Outstanding

Excellent work. Looking forward to reading more!

Top insights

  1. Excellent storytelling

    Original narrative & well developed characters

  2. Heartfelt and relatable

    The story invoked strong personal emotions

  3. On-point and relevant

    Writing reflected the title & theme

Add your insights

Comments (6)

Sign in to comment
  • Marilyn Glover3 months ago

    Quite a lovely entry into the challenge, Mike! I love this line: "Where Nature Can Feel Safe And Free."β£πŸŒ³πŸ¦ŠπŸ¦‰

  • Mark Graham3 months ago

    Mr. Mike another brilliantly written poem about the seasons as well as the art.

  • KA Stefana 3 months ago

    Beautifully captured her painting into a wonderful poem

  • Dana Crandell3 months ago

    Great use of form, as always, Mike. The artwork is amazing too, of course.

  • Sara Wilson3 months ago

    Lovely 🩡🩡

  • Mariann Carroll3 months ago

    I love a cozy winter poem πŸ₯°

Find us on social media

Miscellaneous links

  • Explore
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Support

Β© 2026 Creatd, Inc. All Rights Reserved.