The Tree

by K.C. Mendan

I look at your leaves

They dance, tickled by the breeze

You stand tall

Grown strong from a sapling or a seed

Your giggling leaves comfort me

Your sturdiness steadies me

You surround me

I’m subsumed by your shadows

The silence amongst you

It takes me over

The roughness of your body

Under my hand life pulses, now and ancient

You stand in the corner of my room

Every year, another year

Decorated, warm lights

Your freshness bathes my senses

A symbol of joy, hope

Your evergreen faithfulness

You, who takes the bad

Giving life from your leaves

Your branches climbed by laughing children

Your trunk cut up for wood and paper

Your shade giving cool respite

You, who are so lovely, so lovely