The Tree (A Repost) Poem by RIC BASTASA

the tree


when the big tree falls
hit by lightning
roared by thunder

when the big tree finally falls
and i am there
the big sound
of a giant old tree
falling finally to the ground

the arrogance
that used to be

of that big old tree
we all look up
it is so high
and we do not
climb it anyhow

we fear
and
perhaps we too pay respect
for its grandeur

and today this big tree falls
hit by lightning and roared by thunder

the universe claps upon the
fall of arrogance and pride
and a tree's belief about
its hugeness and
strength

now this tree falls
and i am here watching it

you are not here
you are in some foreign country

how can i tell you
that this tree has fallen
and there is nothing to fear anymore?

when a tree falls and you are not there
your logic tells
there is no tree
there is no tree of such strength and posture
there is no tree like that

that can ever fall
all because a lightning hit it
and all because the thunder roared

without you.