Consider
the giant oaks
holding up their arms
to the owls and crows,
to the woolly bears
and the tiny titmouse-
and take comfort
in their reach.

Think of the sugared
maples, changing
their leaves to gold,
their shadows to shade.
See the towering pine,
dusting the globe
of the moon-and
be assured.

Trees-when studied-
offer no words, no
answers, no intent.
But feel their furrowed
and ancient limbs.
Gather their seeds.
Be still, and
ponder presence.