Something Old, Something New

City Trees

The trees along this city street,
Save for the traffic and the trains,
Would make a sound as thin and sweet
As trees in country lanes.

And people standing in their shade
Out of shower, undoubtedly
Would hear such music as is made
Upon a country tree.

Oh, little leaves that are so dumb
Against the shrieking city air
I watch you when the wind has come—
I know what sound is there.

Edna St. Vincent Millay (1892-1950)

Ora

This life shared by a tree
Lonesome in a small city
Beckoning, I spent moments with her
And they ultimately filled my soul
Up to the top
Up again, because I was out of myself
Out of my mind
And hope

She stood tall and gathered me up after the terrors
That reigned over me
And in her arms I was able to see the light
However dim
However faint
I was cradled and nestled in safety and power
And that power seeped into my veins
And now I walk with a firm step
And the world turns around me
You will know my name by the end of this century
Or at least, you will know my love

Kate Sherbo, 2014