Here for You

July 5, 2022

My name is Ash.

You might think by my name that I am dry, leftover.

Just remains, gray and dead.

Don’t be fooled. I am anything but.

Do you know how deep into the soil, soul of the earth,

my toes stretch?

How they tiptoe out, close to the stream

drinking in clear water

holding tight to the bank so the soil doesn’t wash away?

Can you see how the sassy squirrels scamper

and sky birds skitter among my arms,

seeking safe places to store tasty seeds

and to settle a family?

I welcome all. I welcome you. I am the Tree of Life. Eternal.

Oh.

Wait.

I see gray clouds shape-shifting,

tossing roiling boiling

Sharp stabs of rain pelt my skin.

Thunder sends my green cloak asunder.

And

Lightning

A bolt a jolt strikes, electrifying me from my crown

down to my feet.

Burning, burning.

What is left?

I am hollowed out, barren.

Useless.

Shhhh. Listen.

My heart still beats at my center

royal purple

iridescent green

midnight blue and blushing rose.

Look.

I am still here wearing a crown of new green.

My toes still stretch out

to the stream pulling life-giving water up up up,

reaching far to touch the toes

of other trees grasses flowers,

sharing secrets warnings and hope.

My arms are strong and my fingers tickle the sky

beckoning, holding life spaces

for creatures of our Earth home.

I am still planted firmly in the soil soul of the earth.

Still breathing.

I am here for you. Tree of Life. Eternal.

By MBM