The tree was not especially large
or especially beautiful
It was beautiful because it was a tree.
Looking at the tree - carefully
there were scars and knots
and broken twigs here
and there;
the flowers still bloomed.
Playing in the tree, you would know
it was a strong tree
many have found the love
in its limbs - its roots ran deep.

Its leaves were fat and green in
some places
others, they were less fat
less green
Some were scarred - like the tree
Some were stained and torn
and
chewed
Every tree, I think, has its chewers.

The buds still come
some early, some late - promise still lives
Grandmother out loud
Mama inside

Overall it is a good tree, a special tree
when you've hugged it
and felt the contour of its trunk
the roughness of its bark
smelled the soft sweet scent
of those flowers here
and there...
Where butterflies often light.

And I will sit here safe
among the limbs and branches
home
outside
my hands raw from climbing
beads and must clinging to me
smelling like the leaf
that I am

Grandmother out loud
Mama inside

October 21, 1991