Tree for Life

I remember when

this tree

was lush and green.

It's shadow

was so dark and dense

you would have thought

a cement wall 

was protecting you.

  

Then cool air came in
color too.
Sitting under it
was now like
sitting under a
cracked pinata,
little treats were littered
all around like treasures
waiting to be found.

Then the shadow changed
it was more of
a colorful crunchy blanket.
The saying,
"the apple doesn't fall
too far from the tree"
became clear to me
leaves don't either.

Now there is little left
exposed and bare
yet still so full
of life
of memories.
Every time we go
I wonder
is this the last time.

But really
the answer is no.

I have a vision
of the kids
all bundled up
and me pulling them
in a little sled
over the river
and through the woods.

Who knows
what winter will bring.
And soon
it will be spring.


I think this tree
will just be
with us
we'll wait and see.

So for now
we will take
any slightly good day
and go for a visit,
find a few treasures


push a little more
a little further
a little higher

grow and gain
insight
vision
wisdom

and when it comes
time to say
good bye
we might shed a few
tears




as it has shed
it's leaves
it's spirit
it's soul
unto us.