The Redeeming Tree

There once was this tree.                                                                               

Its raiment--green silk

accompanied with red and white roses

included abundance of fruit:

pears, plums,  peaches and pomegranates--

hold free

on its many arms of love

reach high to the sky lending

rest  for the doves, blue jays, and red cardinals--even the crows.

Its trunk and roots held firm

in fertilized ground.

The deer, elk, and the buffalo revered this tree.

Daily they gazed up to its wonder.

But there is another tree.

It's naked because it eats itself

within; and the only fruit,

elderberries fall and shed

from the only one arm.

Vultures wait patiently

for the berries to fall.

This tree's roots are pulling loosely

from the mud that rises

to the damaged and tender trunk.

An ax lay by this tree's side.

Then there is this tunnel.

And the tree of red and white roses, green silk,

pears, plums,  peaches and pomegranates

await at the end of this tunnel for the deer, elk, and buffalo.

Revered--