5 Ways of Looking at a Tree

I. The stepping stone

Of imagination;

The two children

Seeing how close they can get

To touching the clouds.

II. The resource required

For warmth;

The breaking down of beauty

For comfort.

III. The symbol of love;

Holding the engraved heart

On its trunk,

The initials of the two young people

In love for the first time.

IV. The hands of nature

Showing us

What it can do.

Showing us

To reach up for life.

V. The old man

Leaning against his tree,

Their tree.

His finger hovering

Over the weathered heart;

Worn down,

But still visible.

Sense the Music

Speak the language

Of a saxophone - 

Pure and golden, 

A glimpse

Of a much-needed rainstorm

In a land

Clouded by drought.

Listen to the flute - 

The enchanting tune

Filled with twinkles of beauty

And innocence.

The notes falling from the speaker

As the autumn leaves do in October.

Taste the soul

On your tongue,

The passion bursting with flavor;

Savor the belief,

The desire of hope,

The echo of the song

Still dancing throughout your thoughts

Even after the final note fades.