Valley Oak
I used to dislike you
Your disfigured form
Your gnarled hands
Your thorned leaves
I thought you belonged in a horror film
The perfect backdrop for darkness and grim
–
I’ve spent a decade with you
–
Now I see
You are amongst the strongest of trees
You stand amongst the wildfires
The drought
You never give up
You never give out
You simply stand your ground
Choosing to live
And live well
–
Each tree does have a story to tell
That brings me to my knees
Each tree does have a bell to knell
You can hear it in the breeze
I walked amongst a grove of you
Just the other day
I felt the strength you have to show
Beauty in full on display
I no longer judge what I do not know
I no longer speak ill, nor say
Those things of which I do not know
I simply close my mouth and stay
Right in the midst of the living
1/9/21, kdc
Songs From the River 
A pleasure to read you work again in the new year. It is something I have come across as well, a kind of grandeur, and you have expressed it beautifully. In my backyard, there is a coral tree, twisted and gnarled, and covered in sharp spikes. I often cut myself when I prune it. I know from the previous owner of my house that it has been there since the Sydney suburb I live in was farmland, ie, well before 1950. It flowers spectacularly once a year, and I treasure it.
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Thanks, Steve. Hope you have a great 2021.
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And you too, Duane.
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