the trees

pay attention to the trees 

they whisper in the wind 

i must pause and be silent 

so the trees feel safe 

they want to share 

their song with me 

before they die 

they sing of the time 

when the rain left 

only their tears 

kept them alive 

i come now and 

build an altar 

to honor their passing

At Lakeview Methodist Conference Center near Palestine, Texas.  We experienced a severe drought last year which caused the trees to suffer terribly. As a result the Conference Center has begun clearing the forest of dead and dying trees.  They say this will be good for the trees in the forest ... the circle of life, I wonder?  

Mary Oliver writes, "Doesn't everything die at last, and too soon?"  Perhaps, but it is still painful ...