Poetry by Sheila Benedis

Tree Apparel

I relate tree’s apparel

its leaves

to tree’s true feelings

in all four seasons

 

trees in winter

have lost their leaves

but not their life force

trees are compelled

to shed their apparel

in the cold

proudly show off their structure

their beauty their power

their magical world

for all to see

 

as spring descends

buds sprout tiny delicate

moss green leaflets

lively bright colored flowers

trees still look elegant

still happy

still magical

in the warmer weather

minimal covering of authentic life

 

but gradually leaves grow

into a deep forest green

completely cover the branches

summer reigns

apparel takes over                                                                           

trees have lost their life force

in the heat

very dark very

almost despondent mood

 

until fall approaches

after a brilliant show of color

trees happily drop their leaves

shed their apparel

disregard the cold

get ready for winter spectacle

bring armature back to life

so strong

so happy

so excited

in their glory

a mystical world

 

through an underground

network of roots and soil fungi

trees perceive and interact with environment

share water and nutrients

communicate their needs

in cooperative ways

have intelligence

store memories

send distress signals

respond to attacks

trees are social beings

support each other

have a consciousness

similar to humans

have a positive effect

on our emotions