The Gnarled Oak

The Gnarled Oak Uselessness has virtues. When you're cast aside, Seen only askance; There's no suffering from immodesty. The tree grown lumpy and misshapen Lives long and is never felled for planks. That tree will live and love the sun, Put out fresh leaves season on season. Children will skip across its roots, Lovers loll beneath its boughs. It will shade the weary traveler And comfort the old men. The malice of disappointed carpenters Will never touch its heart of wonder Nor mar its content. If you say this tree lacks virtue, I'll say that you lack vision. There is much more to be seen looking between things Than by looking at them. When you want to see me, See my shadow. If you want to hear me, Consult my eyes. If you would touch me, Touch yourself. Reflections sustain reality: Dewdrops on a leaf Try to understand; you will fail. Accept, you shall gain. If you run, you'll trip But walk, you'll arrive. Look for nothing; you shall find. I know this is the understanding Of the gnarled oak.