How trees treat us:

I saw and touched a Tree I’ve known for years today-
Just back of our alley-
A single red cedar tree, I typically just walk by,
But have not often noticed carefully,
On my way to wherever, I must be going…
I placed my hands on her today for some time,
and then I hugged her awkwardly, until I heard her name.

I didn’t want to climb her, or use her, or split her up for lumber

or measure her limbs;

i just wanted to be with her, behold her. To know, as one knows

a person or fish or place, one listens to well, long enough to love….

I’m sure my neighbors thought I was insane.
I’m no hippie, or a tree hugger, but I love each by name
And have to touch to know.
“That’s a good day”, she whispered to me
By name.
And she was right.
I felt more myself afterwards.

Thanks, tree friend
For helping me slow down and ground again
In all the names around me daily, I simply,
And ignorantly, walk past.

Each of us must have a name, we thought
Together this evening-now that we know one another.
What a treat-the treasure of conversation
With a tree. How it slows us down enough to be.