I have always been in love with trees,

And any kind of tree has the ability

To hold my heart captive for a time.

When I was young, sadness became

A constant part of who I was.

Just looking at a Weeping Willow

Reminded me that even while bent

From the storms of life, it had beauty.

It’s roots grew strong underground,

And its curving branches allowed it

To bend with the pounding rain.

 

When I was in need of joy and happiness,

The Cottonwood Tree would dance for me.

Tall, shimmering leaves quivering in the wind,

Branches stood strong in the summer storms.

Leaves turned golden in the fall, filling

The woods with a treasure of gold

That covered the ground in a yellow blanket.

I would lie on my back  and watch

The trembling leaves shake and toss

Against a blue sky filled with fluffy clouds.

I felt safe and beautiful just like the tree.

 

When I felt weak and full of fear,

I would wrap my arms around the

Oak Tree or the Sycamore, knowing

That by feeling and touching them,

Their strength would flow in to me    

And give me the power to face life

With dignity and upright courage.

I never doubted for a moment

That these trees and I were

Melded into one, a part of the whole.

Trees became a  living part of me.

Yu/stan/kema