From sources and forces of nature
a man and a tree are the same
They begin as ingredients of a
meeting of warmth, moisture, sweetness
coming together to create something new
Let's look at this, let's see the route
a man and a tree are the same
From seed, from spawn of nature's fruit
blended, tucked, implanted, name
the point of creation as a start of life
Next the single culmination grows
a man and a tree are the same
changing the host to meet the needs
of doubling, encased, hidden mound
until time is ripe for blessed birth forthcome
The earth holds like a birthing mom
a man and a tree are the same
as Kilmer said a hungry mouth is
pressed against the earth's sweet
flowing breast as is the instinct of a child
As sun and rain, as air and shadow fall
a man and a tree are the same
needing all that fills the sprouting,
blooming, blossoming, tender green
sweet fruit of the creation made of love
Oh at the sight of first buds and leaves
a man and a tree are the same
surrounded by mighty oaks or elders
of sorts a silent shield does come
to protect from storms - the tender life
To days when branches reach out on their own
a man and a tree are the same
rings of height, limbs to stretch
reaching for the light of independence
producing fruit now of their own
There are days the the arms are weak
a man and a tree are the same
Bark scarred, elbows bent, fingers knotted
by the winds of change and time
dry the eyes of the beholder slowly
Age leads to the ending - each season passes
a man and a tree are the same
To think of comfort from shade or wisdom
given to the place where life was planted
When bones and branches begin the cycle again.
kath nehls 10/15/07