Live Oak

Deep into the forest

you beckon us

down the winding path

through scrub and saw palm

moss covered swamp

past armadillos and bush wrens

away from human chatter

We hear your forest-speak

There!

Majestic, your body stands

Gnarled root-creatures

bubble-up from earth around you

Monument of timeless life

breathless we look forever upward

We climb and curl ourselves

into the nook of your neck

Midgets beneath your grandeur

Like the thousand arms of Bodhisattva

stretching into infinity

you surround us with your limbs

Leaning back on sturdy shoulders

we pour wine

break bread and cheese,

nature’s holy communion

We lie safe in your compassionate boughs

till the sky turns crimson

Comforted in your cradle of strength

we feel the refuge of the Buddha