A Conversation With A Tree Poem by Jim Yerman

You may think this is a little crazy but I think of it as more carefree
When the other day I found myself having a conversation…with a tree.

This tree stands next to the ocean…and when I saw him I had to grin
There was an eerie beauty in the way he stood.
The way he was influenced by the wind.

I said, "You look a little old and weathered."
The tree replied, "That is true….I have a few wrinkles on my bark
but then again…so do you."

"I've lost most of my leaves, " he said, "as year after year has passed me by."
I smiled as I leaned against his bark…"That's funny…so have I."

"But look how strong you still are, " I said,
"Even after all the storms that you've been through."
The tree chuckled and I felt his laughter.
"But then again…so are you".

"I like to think I'm still beautiful." the tree said as he let out a deep sigh…
"Oh but you are."I answered quickly…"and I like to think…so am I".

"What is your secret to a full and happy life? " I asked the tree
"what do you recommend? "
"The key for me", the tree replied "lies in my ability to bend".

We talked a little while longer
about our branches
About our trunks, our crowns…our roots
About how we love the wind and the rain
and other shared attributes.

As I walked away I stopped, turned around
then waved and smiled at that old tree…
And I can't be sure but I think I saw him wave and smile back at me…

And I remember thinking as I left him gently bending by the sea….
How lucky and proud I was that day…to have a conversation with a tree.