Embrace of the Canopy
Poem on Sloth and Nature
Throws itself around on its tail,
Trees wrapped between its globe,
Shallow pools reflect in repeat
It’s all it sees now,
Dried up meadows,
During the summer rays,
The trees cool off,
Humid air rises on,
Delicate branches,
Made just for itself,
To wrap around,
And hang upside down,
Its world is all that it sees,
The trees between each other,
Leaving no far space in between,
Its world, the one, it is able to grasp.
By Sarah Shahzad, July 2024
About Embrace of the Canopy
This poem beautifully captures the unique and serene environment of a sloth in its arboreal habitat.
The poem begins with the imagery of a sloth moving slowly and deliberately, using its tail to navigate its surroundings. The “trees wrapped between its globe” suggests the sloth’s entire world is encompassed by the trees it inhabits. The “shallow pools reflect in repeat” implies a sense of continuity and repetition in its tranquil life.
The “dried up meadows” and “summer rays” indicate the heat of summer, while “the trees cool off” suggests that the trees provide a respite from the heat. “Humid air rises on” evokes the tropical climate where sloths are often found, highlighting the contrast between the dry ground and the cool canopy.
The poem emphasizes the sloth’s relationship with its habitat. The “delicate branches” seem perfectly suited for the sloth to “wrap around, And hang upside down,” capturing the essence of its slow, inverted lifestyle. This suggests a harmonious adaptation to its environment.
The final stanza reflects on the sloth’s limited yet contented perspective. “Its world is all that it sees” indicates that the sloth’s life is confined to the trees it lives in. “The trees between each other, Leaving no far space in-between” suggests a dense, interconnected forest canopy. The phrase “Its world the one it is able to grasp” conveys the idea that the sloth’s world is small but complete, defined by what it can physically interact with and understand.
Overall Interpretation
“Embrace of the Canopy” portrays the sloth’s intimate connection with its arboreal environment. The poem uses vivid imagery to highlight the sloth’s slow, deliberate movements and its adaptation to life among the trees. It reflects on the sloth’s limited but fulfilling perspective, finding contentment within its immediate surroundings. The poem captures the serenity and simplicity of the sloth’s existence, emphasizing the beauty and harmony of life in the treetops.
