This Simple Tree

This simple tree... Her branches a Tree Clef staff for song birds. Her canopy a trapeze for these squiggles, these squirrels. This simple tree... Her trunk a temple; a spire to Heaven. Her bark a canvas for Northern moss. This simple tree... Her roots a roof to burrowing beasts. Her leaves a beetle's green lunch munched. This simple tree... Her shade a cooling respite for a thousand forms. This simple tree... a welcome respite for a thousand flapping forms from a thousand Wint'ring grounds. This simple tree... whose vaulting arch, itself a royal crown... whose lyric swaying, showing unseen winds... whose quiet patience, teaches eons, teaches time... whose singular sangha is a lone unalone story, befriended and borrowed, by all that live. This simple tree... husher of poets. This simple tree.