Mother-Tree

here, now, i will grow roots

roots that reach deeply into fertile soil

a firm foundation

from this i grow my trunk.

unshakable i stand

for you to rest against, and test your balance

for you to run around in mirth

or hide behind

to cut into the bark, to leave a mark of your existence

and your love

my trunk for you to try your strength

and show you what strength is

drawn from the depth

and firmly rooted.

and from the trunk i stretch my branches

now you can rest and sleep

under my shade

my watchful eyes

my silent presence, joyful shimmering of leaves –

i stretch them wide, my branches

and i reach them down

yes, here you will be safe

for you, there will be fruit and flowers

all in their season

(i turn into the appletree and in my childhood's garden)

i reach them high, my branches, too

to gather light for you

and to draw you up into the light

you will start climbing on my sturdy branches

then build your nest amongst the leaves

until you reach the crown

for now, i know i have to stand

and spread my roots, expand my trunk,

stretch out my branches, keep my green leaves

for you.