Branches reaching up and out
perfectly organized and tangled
in a crochet knot
against the blue sky
Bark that thickens
and hardens and breaks
as the heart bursts open
as life fattens the tree's torso
Roots that grab on and hold
reaching deep and wide for stability
for nutrients and water
Leaves budding long before spring
unfold at just the right moment
color everything to a rich warm velvety green
and then fire up orange just before they fall away
Shadows of the wise
and wonderful neighbors
cast intriguing reflections
on snow and sand and water
Tempting me to look up to them
for inspiration for my perfectly organized and tangled mess
for courage to allow my heart to crack open as I grow
and a reminder to reach deep and wide.
