Dendrophiles Poem by Jim Yerman

I love trees but I am not an expert…I just know they touch my heart…
Except for some maples, poplars and a few oaks…I can't tell trees apart.

Because I'm not an expert…but still love the way they make me smile…
I would never be considered an arborist…but I am a dendrophile.

An arborist would have studied and understand the science of every tree that comes her way….but as a dendrophile…walking among the trees I'm surprised a little every day.

An arborist knows there are over 64,000 species of trees…a fact they have been taught…
As a dendrophile I look at all the trees in awe…and say, .."WOW! I sure do see a lot."

An arborist…probably has some awe in him…but understands a tree's creation
As a dendrophile, happily, I only have my imagination.

An arborist cannot make up stories about trees she knows may not be true….
but a dendrophile…we're different…for that's exactly what we do.

Since there is so much about the trees and the forest we do not understand…
a walk though the forest with a dendorphile…is like a trip through a wonderland.

A dendrophile walking in the woods…bathed in moonlight or in the light the day…
hears the trees whispering to one another…and wonders what they're trying to say.

So we make up fables and fairy tales…some as fanciful can be..
about all that inhabit the forest…and about our friends the trees.

For instance arborist sees two trees close together and explains how they communicate, how they share nutrients…how it's part of what the Creator and nature have planned…
A dendrophile sees the same two trees and says…
Aw look…they're holding hands.

Certainly there is a place for arborists….
their profession is both beneficial and worthwhile…
But as for me…
I'm happy walking through the woods for the rest of my life…
one joyful dendrophile.