the tree whispered
"Learn from me…
let me be your mentor".
I listened in the stillness
words were forming in her vapors.
She sipped up sweetness
from damp Earth's depths,
she shared her liquid gold
and in the quiet shallow breaths
she opened up her crown…
I'm rooted. Yes. I learn from all
who gather around.
I know the touch of gentleness
from a pair of Mourning Doves…
both tended to their babies
with their strong sustaining love
and when a soft peach wing was stretched
to feel the lift of air
I learned to let my light fly free.
In gentleness, I dare.
I learned the rhythm of persistence
from the woodpeckers who came…
from the powerful pileated
who drummed their way to fame
and drilled holes upon my limbs.
But that is ok, I didn't mind
when Eastern Screech moved in.
From Screech Owl I learned to put
my sound out to the universe
to let my call be taken
even in it's Hallmark verse.
The orioles sang their joy-filled notes
while my boughs were all a-flower--
their golden trills could lift my heart
and fill me full of power.
When seasons changed and I became
dressed in vibrant color
the red squirrels chattered
the gray ones chased
and they put up such a holler
that I happily spilled forth my leaves
to hide the nuts they gather.
In the cold pre-winter wind
I let go my year's grown leaves.
I let them chase each other spinning
and I have a heart of grief…
but it quickly is released
as I become slowed down
and make ready for my sleep.
The cold and dark have come around
and I have grown another ring,
added a year beneath my belt
and I have faith because
the sun returns to make me melt.
During winter I will dream
and listen to the heartbeat of Earth.
I will gather up her sweetness and
in March will share my mirth
in maple syrup as I await
the bird's return, expectant birth.
I learn from every generation
share myself with all who come.
The joyous celebration of life
turns round and round
and round.
No comments:
Post a Comment