The Gnarled Oak

The Gnarled Oak Uselessness has its virtues. Those society casts aside, Those only looked at askance, By no means suffer from immodesty. The tree grown all lumpy and misshapen Lives long and is never felled for planks. That tree will live and love the sun, Putting out fresh leaves season upon season. Children will skip across its roots, Lovers loll beneath its boughs. It will shade the weary traveler And comfort the old men. The malice of disappointed carpenters Will never touch its heart of wonder Nor mar its content. If you say this tree lacks virtue, I'll say that you lack vision. There is much more to be seen by looking between things Than by looking at them. When you want to see me, Consider my shadow. If you want to hear me, Consult my eyes. If you would touch me, Touch yourself. Reflections sustain reality Like a dewdrop on a leaf. Try to understand and you will fail. Accept and you shall gain. If you run, you'll trip But walk and you'll arrive. Look for nothing, and you shall find. I know this is the understanding Of the gnarled oak.