Listening to a Tree

Listening to a Tree   09/12/2021

The rock beneath the branch beckoned 

I said thank you and sat.

I waited. Perhaps I should move.

Perhaps I should walk.

But the tree said “look.”

And I looked.

It's wilted leaves,

Turning red from stress,

Not autumn, told me

“Sometimes it is just hard.

Sometimes I am weary.”

So I stayed and listened. 

I heard there under the tree

Upon a rock

By the bridge

The cricket. The bird.

I saw white fledgling feathers

Discarded for flight.

“I am weary and thirsty,'' said the tree.

“But if you will stay and listen

You will hear life.”

Beside my ear it's wilted leaves rustled

And a breeze, a breath refreshed me.

Thank you great one,

Planted and ignored in the noise of life.

Thank you for speaking to me.

Showing me life,

Though you are weary.

I stood to leave

But turned to bow

And knew God.