The Faith of a Tree

Must I schedule grief to allow for joy?

Or schedule joy to allow for grief?

I want to hold both at once like a tree 

in the autumn of its year

when it is both green and red (or yellow).

Like a tree in spring yearly budding, 

flowering, and letting go simultaneously.

Like a tree knowing another turn of the spiral

and the mystery will perform itself again.

O, to be as grounded as a tree

as ready for both routine and possibility.

O, to be able to say hello and goodbye 

in a word with patience and humility

without separating from the love in me.

Written during Meeting for Worship for Business while considering reparations.

My blog poems are rough drafts.

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     © 2021 Susan L.
Chast