Trees

Trees

The thing is

    trees talk to me—

    I answer best I can

    in halting tree language…

    

 I know the energy of trees

    their complexity and diversity

    the gentle way they teach

    their endless patience…

I’ve never heard one complain

    or wish it were somewhere else

    living a more fulfilling life

    or wearing a better body…

Trees live in gratitude

    embracing the sky

    wind-waltzing without shame

    standing strong in rain and storm…

Life flows through them

    yielding leaves, fronds, 

    flowers and fruit

    in harmony with nature and season…

Trees give to all

    never judging or refusing

    never hording their gifts

    never demanding payment…

May we all be so wise

    so filled with virtue, grace and beauty…

    as a tree rooted in sand or soil

    but always reaching for the sun…

    reaching for the sun.