For I Am the Tree

I have been doing a Chi Kung exercise called standing still like a tree.  It made words come into my mind.  I wrote them down:

For I Am the Tree

Standing here in stillness

Connecting with the space

Standing strong and tall

Reaching into the earthliness

My essence undeterred

I am one of many

For I am the tree

There is movement in my branches

Connection in my roots

Homes created for many

Air exchanged for air

Sunshine blends my being

Shelter in the storm

Rain pelts through my body

Heat restores my growth

Branches bend in wind

Bowing to the snow

Life continues calling

For I am the tree

The gift of life is straining

As I see and I am seen

I stand above and connect below

With the earth and all its forces

Persistence is my goal

My kind is straight and tall

Or sharply gnarled and bent

My branches reach beyond me

The essence that is life

To celebrate the love

That connection is meant to be

Friends may fall

Or be taken

The fire may consume

Rebudding is my energy

The life of all I know

A person may stand with me

And notice what I feel

Standing with my sisters

Preparing for the changes

We’ve learned to know so well

She seeks to know what I know

Something I can share

A calmness and completeness

An understanding here

Standing with conviction

We don’t run

We don’t hide

To face the coming shifts

A cautious rising tide

The earth has many faces

Each of them so fine

Trusting in each other

Sustaining in our heart

Blessed by the knowing

Standing still as all

My friend she seeks to learn

All that I have known

Imparted so very slowly

A tree can only show

Listen in the heart

Silent with your voice

Breathing, feeling, waiting

You will be like me

For I am the tree

Joceile

11/20/19

[Picture of two Douglas Fir trees looking up into blue sky.]