Old Growth

 

There's a grandfather in the forest

Over steep mountain passes

Across cascading streams

Deep in the wilderness

Keeping vigil over a grassy meadow.

His rough, furrowed bark speaks of age.

His thick, sturdy limbs speak of strength.

His rough beard of green moss speaks of wisdom.

He stands taller than his younger brothers

As he proudly displays what they can become

Given the chance.     

 

 

Ancestral Ring

 

Within a conserved cradle of giants

Five redwood trees huddle together

Forever encircling the grave

Of their mother.

(© 1998 Connie S. Tettenborn)