The Prayin' Tree poem.

THE PRAYIIN' TREE

Trees tower over the house.
tall and thin with thick foliage
at the top. Their limbs stretch out
to reach the sun, to capture
light-nourishment and satisfy
thirst from massive clouds.

I try to throw the ball as high as
the trees, but it is impossible.
I throw the ball to my dog, he runs
for it and brings it back. His happiness
is sometimes in contrast to my mood.
But then the prayin' tree caught my attention.

It's shape meandered into other tree
shapes which became a painting of
skylights and clouds, all connecting
and becoming a part of each other.
The tree seemed to express
it's worth to me and I named it.

The prayin' tree said "look at me
and appreciate all of the seasons.
I cannot be summer and lush
and green as you would have
me be every day of every year.
It's not in the plan.

So I look to the sky in the spring, summer
Autumn and winter, and I thank God for the tree
that causes me to remember to pray.
I give thanks for the seasons and
pray for all who stretch out
their limbs and cry for nourishment.

Janet Brice Parker, 2003