Marquisette Reflection

Building on Winnie's tree theme,
I can try this form in homage ...
to the Bristlecone Pine and Mrs. Marsh

(I have pictures if anyone wishes them)

Bristling With Life

You can easily stretch back in form and time,
until your cap falls on the ground in awe and humility
before a redwood daring to caress the feet of heaven,
and stake its claim against fire and axe and strife
that each soul touched raises their arms in praise.

You may choose instead to hug a tree in twain
with primordial knowledge and pulse of Covenant;
and should forever embrace a sequoia by stretch of arms --
knowing that it will take many more in fellowship and reach
to understand the frailty of me, that must say 'we' in finality.

But for wisdom bound in simplicity and innocence,
seek instead the bristlecone's lonely silence.
Dare to ascend to 11,000 feet of pristine air
where no insects pervade nor animals scurry small
to tarry the ringed pace of 4,000 years and more.

Understand the power of this simple, forlorn, ugly tree.
It alone can choose to allow a part of self to die
to insure that a single branch will boldly survive
to flick a single tiny cone a inch or two beyond
its own withered, windblown shadowed memory.

So learn, my friend, though it take a year or two,
that the secret to eternal peace 'bristles' in simplicity --
let go of what is not important here and now;
keep ambition small yet perfect in design and purpose --
do what no one else can do -- be what no other can be.

faucon