Shade

Photo of a hiking trail during the early afternoon, through a canopy of oak trees.

Stands the mighty oak
under the scorching sunshine
sprinkling shade on me.

Growing

Close up photo of the stump of a dead tree with tiny plants growing on it.

Forest foster home
nurtures the young and needy—
heart of a dead tree.

Us and them

panaromic photo of giant trees along a hiking trail, with the trees' roots visible and spreading above the ground

We conceal our roots
dyeing, deceiving ourselves—
ageing trees flaunt theirs.

Battle worn

close up photo of the trunk of a sequoia tree

Soft on the outside:
crinkles, crevices, and cracks—
solid tree inside

Extend

photo of a giant fig tree's trunk and roots sprawled on the ground

Fisher seeks fresh food,
casting a line far and wide,
giant tree does, too.