I allow my toes to brush their  leaves,

Awestruck by their mystery,

In stillness, flirting with the birds and the bees,

Only showing its wonder in time.

With love and light,

Drops of the elixir of life,

A transformation of the sun, a miracle stirs,

 Bearing seeds, leaves, fruits of the earth.

Symbiotic metamorphosis, none can survive alone.

Who are we to get in its way?

Who are we to even cultivate? To manipulate?

Regenerate…..

Transcending generations, genetic modification….

Illumination of the hibernation,

Its roots SO deep,

And yet… all it takes is but one moment,

A spade of love and a glowing heart.

Tendrils, tender spirals, reaching out,

Patient patience, patiently waiting,

Spreading, living, breathing,

Listening….always listening.

Only those that listen in return,

Can truly learn why we are here on this earth.

The mother cries,

The father fire slowly dies,

The trees in the forest sigh,

But who was there to hear their brothers die before their time?

Listen to the trees, they never lie.

Layers upon layers,

Medicine, wisdom, food of every kind.

Who am I to survive?

Sowing the seeds, hearing the trees,

A humble servant, a child.

Tears of joy looking into her eyes,

Mother earth, I am home,

Father fire, you are no longer alone.

-Jessica Ann Tevik, Olympia, WA