Be, Like a Tree

I climbed a hill today and leaned in the arms of an old silver birch. Neil Diamond’s Be, from Jonathan Livingston Seagull was floating in my mind, and I thought,

Be

Like a tree

Stand patiently through whatever weather comes

Reach always for the sky, but also ground yourself deep

Even when the soil is being washed away beneath you

Withstand insect attack, woodpeckers, and disease…

Heal around the wounds, if you can…

Let go the lovely leaves you’ve worked so hard on

Wait silently through winter

Grow new, little ones

When the time comes

Fall gently

Still reach for the sky while you can

Nurture those coming after you

Like a tree

Be

Somebody said, “To learn patience, cultivate the friendship of trees.