Neighbor's Tree

NEIGHBOR’S TREE Eye-catching in all seasons They say talking to flowers helps them bloom resplendent Yes resplendent that’s our neighbor’s tree Perfectly shaped So large so tall so wonderfully round I talk to its crowd from afar like a garden festival of Flowers But no words are needed And the house which it fronts – Like a bitter thought of Camille Pissaro So large so old so cold so rundown One might see the paint peel off in a high wind Might want to shoulder-up the sagging front porch A haven for down-and-outers stray cats Yet all is saved The tree In summer – like an umbrella In spring – a billion chattering buds In fall its brilliant red outstrips all the most lavish services in His name and when winter comes she yet offers hope