Tree

You are so static
My eyes you at first
do not attract

Density, depth,
Passage in a forest
Give you shape
though surrounded in dark

If not for thine flower
Passing quietly in night shade
to the forest floor
After brief shower.

You sang in a whisper
Sudsing your lengthy veins
In widowed rain...
After night's heavy dew.

Lessor beings have bedded down
Theirs to ever sleep ...
... trees, living monuments,
Earth derived self-sufficiency

The night wind
delivers soul the message
These thoughts for thee
May one day be
Though long suffering
and time worn
Refuges in your boughs
Testimony of your great power.


Patrick Darnell