tree spirit

 
curiously I linger in the old forest
where the trees stand guard
gnarled and bent but steadfast in their truth
they whisper hello as I again enter  
the enchanted place of my youth
 
the gatekeepers ask the password
I quietly utter "somber"
come in child we've been waiting
too long in the world away from us
 
what news do you bring of humanity?
 
I cringe and answer  
only sorrow
so many mortals fail to hear--  
the tree royalty chanting
 
protectors of the innocent
little ones shelter--
in the branches of my tree brothers
while wars are waged below
they stay safely hidden in the canopies  
 
the leaves keep a record of my ancestry
a sylvan I listen to the trees singing
welcome home tree spirit  
 
I take my place among them
drinking in the wisdom of my elders
I tap into the living river
 
rooted to the ancient knowledge
I would continue on as a seer
a recorder of all that transpires  
since the beginning
 
then fade to green  
disappearing to the unseeing