HOMAGE TO A TREE

the tree, with it's roots, ready to dig deep
to claim a space, to tolerate all that
it will surround, letting the branches rise up
to feel what it receives through it's leaves
by a sun  grateful to share, and gentle rain
slowly becomes the welcome mote, to drink
up, stay strong, sustain itself, ingratiate
further, to encourage growth, for all the
years it will stand tall, unmatched, unsuspecting
until such a time, the unspeakable will happen
through fire, wind, the heavy rains, willing to bring
down this pillar of strength, till nothing else remains

by Michael Perry