Welcoming Shelter

There’s an aged Eastern cedar tree not far from the steps of my back door. Enormous and quite old it harbors a full range of flora and fauna that have sought refuge amid its arms. I reckon it soars 60 feet high with an amazing 30-foot girth. In winter, frosty mist on needles– faux snow covers its verdant branches– although it remains green winter-long Welcoming woody fragrance in Spring attracts curious creatures of trees– working tirelessly to build their homes in the evergreen’s burgeoning boughs– a comfortable coniferous cool residence. The cardinals staking my feeders, fluffed and braced against the chilling cold– medallions, red on silvery green– Christmas’ reverberant Friendship Tree reminds me of friends and family. My enduring evergreen shares its sheltering arms and embraces all who come, as a nurturing mother providing food, comfort, and kindness to any seeking safety within her.