Dear One, I never promised you
a pain or worry free life.
I did promise to always receive your
questions with curiosity and interest--
watching them grow like saplings
from mother to grandmother answers
just as the oaks in this preserve do.
Roots grow deep in underground
wisdom that is not always apparent.
Branches stretch far and wide
towards a loving sun,
towards other tree beings
living in darkness and light.
Keep visiting this place,
even in the middle of winter
when all looks lifeless
and feels hopeless--
when a dormant heart seed
inside its protective shell
is whispered to life
with breath and faith
in these words.