The Gnarly and bent Tree
(A-Rose is like Rein-Carnation)
Somewhere in your mind is a gnarled and crooked tree
not a wickedly evil tree just a tree out of shape
not like the straight lumbering, towering kind
but as God meant for some to be
These are the trees that children play on and are left aside
by lumber jacks except to use as shade when they rest
Kids make swings on them through the ages
and tree houses where they smoke grapevine
and sometimes sneak their first kisses
The bent trees are the strongest yet can't be used
not for furniture not for homes not even paper
nature bends them in mysterious angles
from the ravages of standing in the weather, forever
They are left alone for the squirrel, the child
and the coolness of shade and a picnic
and one day after hundreds of years and storms
swings and tree houses picnics and a resting stranger
They Die
but even after death, and the axe falls, cuts and splits
together with human arms, The great ugly and beautiful tree
is brought inside a home and as a last gift
give the warmth of love as a fire in a hearth
and mystify children's eyes and the heavens
with the sparks of endearing satisfaction
Like a last kiss, given
Dare I tell you,,,,I am that affection
You may never know
As a twig is bent,,,So
Shall it Grow
,,,And secretly
after you are planted close to my roots
out will sprout another me
