A Simple Request

Please don’t mind me, Tree, as I slip so quietly into your shade, as I sip so softly the breath of your leaves. It’s your strength I need—

your silence, your certainty—

and no more chatter than bird or squirrel might offer. I need to slip sylvan into your bark, to place all your rings on my fingers.

Rock me again, Tree, high and gentle in your branches;

Please, with all you are, just let me be. I need at last, at last, to grow roots.