Endless Tree

Endless Tree It seemed to be an oak with tan and dark bark The climb aloft began by moonlight with certain ease So many branches, almost like steps, falling in the dark Footfalls from me to up above A red round sun met up with me at day break I refused to stop my journey skyward For hours I ascended to the heavens By daylight it was obvious to see, this was not an oak Soft leather boots pulled me up and through Thick leaves and appendages like arms, bending at the end Held on to me as I held on to them And we became each other’s friend Perhaps half way up by now, I guessed I had to rest as legs and strength gave out No doubt the tree might feel the same If only it knew how It grew in front of me as I looked down Bad weather changes came After three days climbing upon more climbing Foreign tree, rooted in the ground, elevated by wind and rain I continued skyward having nothing better to do About a half mile further up and on I perceived a protrusion or perhaps a hole A lack of sleep had drained me to the core I took my time and it took me but slower Beef jerky and a flask of juice were all I had My soul was also nourished in the loft As green yellow birds built their homes Insects ran about up there waiting to be eaten And the wholeness of the tree kept company Kept us all alert up there No doubt by now, the tree was in its element I finally made my way to the giant hole or room Looking above, the timber went on for miles in the sky The tree had held a reservation for me to sleep So I did as it requested as its guest Crawled right in and settled down To take a little slumber in the lumber Before proceeding