how like a tree we are
roots embracing mother earth
branches growing towards the light
experience defined within our core

branches reach out in all directions
family or friends, lovers or strangers
all place a leaf upon the canopy
each… a piece of our life

sometimes squirrels come to play
or wisdom speaks through the owl
and we will shelter, and we will comfort
those that need to rest

having braved strong winds
and times of drought
having suffered drowning
when the river ran over

we are scarred from lightening
are poisoned from air
then infected by the human disease

but the creator is the arbor
that prunes broken branches
gives us nutrition
and rakes the changing leaves

graceful we stand
to laugh in the wind
and giggle with children
how like a tree we are