The Trees in the Woods Are Speaking to Me

The trees in the woods are speaking to me
One whispers look this way, its branches    
pointing to the still waters below

Ayr Gorge - Peden's Cove

another’s branches growing out at
an awkward right angle offer the image
of gentle embrace and comfort merely by presence

yet another shouts
behold all things are made new
with its uplifted branches

Grounds of Culzean Castle
at sunset

at the margins, a stand with branches all
turned leeward from the constant and
never-changing winds
remind me to notice, to read,
the signs of the times with humility
while deep in the woods
one lone tree fallen at the waters’ edge
arms outstretched towards the source
of all life would have me see anew
The Sacrifice . . . and its cost –

Ayr Gorge

whether the tree that falls alone
in the forest is heard by human ears
does not matter so much
for I am given to know
that the Divine Ears hear
every tree . . .
every branch . . .
every twig that falls . . .
hear and weep . . .
hear and rejoice . . .
for the life that was
the life that could have been
and, as solid wood melts into
the loam of the forest floor
food for the sapling
to rise yet again,
every life that will be
from every life that was

The trees in the woods
are speaking to me and
it is well with my soul