Tree of Life

A Poem by Brian Park

softly floating
from a nearby tree
the call of a cape
turtle dove

my mother is dead
my father is dead
all my relatives are gone
my friends, once so dear
have all gone
there is only me

I am this tree
standing silent
in a barren land
my branches have been cut
by sharp steely knives
kerosine flames
have burned my body

but death
will not yet find me
I am attached to this earth
and she feels my roots
pulling water, life
from deep within the darkness
and this gives me pause

solace

breath to my voice

trees stay firmly grounded

right where they are

the heroism of plants is patience

i envy the dove, her freedom

but I am a nomad

not of place but of time

the sky

will always follow you

I will tell my story
It will be heard
that is my rain

please keep reading,
don't turn the page
don't cover your ears, not yet
the doves
are still weeping