Giving Tree

Winter 2020

She still stretches roots and branches,

still drinks the San Pedro with quiet reverence,

still watches birders and bikers and writers and hikers with pride.

She has been trimmed and fenced for dignity’s sake

since I last came to visit. it has been too long.

These preparations are like grave clothes and last rites.

But if you step softly toward her weathered trunk,

you can hear ancient wisdom and grace.

Tonight she told me that my children are beautiful

and I am braver when I don’t try so damn hard.

And then I caught her smiling at Matt,

probably remembering when he asked and I said yes in her summer shade.

It remains a fresh and full memory for us both.

“I know. He’s still great”, I told her and then wondered

if this would be our last goodbye.

But the waters of the San Pedro flow north!

It carries everything she knows and loves with it.

She will never be finished stretching.

And neither will I.