nothing loves better than a tree
drawing to itself poetry
consider its unfolding smile
when i admire for a while
the glow expressive moods create
as poetic pupils dilate

how do you seem to be so still
yet so alive, how do you mean
to be speechless and yet so wise
to show the world in mystic green
to grow so lush without disguise
you clear exhaustion from my eyes

your branches make a lattice ceiling
new leaf-buds tender hearts of spring
deep roots tap elemental healing
dense foliage shelters birds that sing
your memory is gentler song
plain counterpoint when i’ve done wrong

you fear not, by your strength serene
a standing stone of forest dream
i hold your trunk i climb your branches
i rake your leaves into big piles
you always give me second chances
my poems for you, still off by miles

//