NaPM April 04, 2017

[Todd]

Birch Trees

I think the birch tree knew
as its leaves fell for the last time
when sap ceased to complete its trek
and rot overwhelmed the trunk

I think the birch tree knew
when it would surrender its place
topple to the edge of the pond
and prop at such an angle

from which a wind might find its way,
to see this white line cantilevered
to perfect angle with its own reflection,
a sight as breathtaking as God could make,
or as nature could do on its own.

You would like birch trees -
this is the world they always choose.

Now that I'm caught up, I'm finally getting to go back through these. This is lovely. Especially like the final two lines (great payoff to the poem).