Tree Wisdom (a poem)

In the trees a primordial spirit hums so quietly

Only the squirrels can sometimes hear

What does it mean

They ask the deer

Who raises her head and blinks

Not understanding the question

Off the highway

Deep in the forest

where no hikers go

There is a tree of such deep wisdom

It can answer any question

Whispered into its great roots

To find the path one must be willing

To leave all behind

Pass lightly through the

Smokey shadows and dappled light

Naked as the mind of a saint

Into the cathedral of Red Cedar

In the sphere of her awareness

Step lightly to her trunk

Touch the damp rich soil with bare hands

Close your eyes and

Let your ancient walls crumble

See them swallowed by the earth

With humble gratitude before her

It is suddenly apparent that

There is no question to ask

But what can I give back,

To this great well from which I was born

And to which I will return…

-January 15th 2023