Who will Shelter the Trees … Naomi Hogan

by Naomi Hogan

As I wander through the sun I look around for something not reflecting, Refracting this deathly blaze.

The tree stoops low a ways ahead. As I stumble towards her shade, I see her spindly shadow inching towards me.

I exhale as I sink beneath this beautiful contrast, Sheltered for a moment as my thoughts re-solidify. I look around me as I can finally see without squinting.

I am grateful for this bark, For these shriveled leaves. For the sunlight, that though it kills me, It feeds the trees.

She has feasted to her root’s content; the sun warms her soul. Then forced to absorb more and more. It beats and bends her.

Her branches revived me after a while. The cool seeped into my bones, and I can stand tall once more, ready to face the next chapter of my journey.

But as I stand tall, The tree still stoops.

She had given me shade And brought me to life.

Walking away, I think: “But who will shelter the tree?”