Trees by Lauren Kahle

I do think that I shall never see a

Poem that is as lovely as a tree

For trees are full of leaves that speak to me

As the wind flows and causes a rustle

Something is spoken, in a tree’s language

And a tree’s language is much better than

Any such language that I could create

And a tree is filled with such sweetness

Flowing through the body, deliverance

Syrup oozing throughout the lengthy limbs

A treat so sweet, I feast my eyes upon

Trees are full of stories and history

Each scuff mark, each blemish, seems like a scar

Telling a story behind it, also

Every ring, another year, passage,

Another journey, stationary life

And the stories are told with the rustling

Of the leaves in the cool, Oregon wind

With its own stories intertwining

What a beautiful sound, such a lovely

Story is told when these two worlds collide

A better story than I could ever

Tell, sweeter sound than any poem I

Made could ring, isn’t it such a wonder

A tree stands so tall, reaching for something

Or simply basking in the nature that

Surrounds us, the beauty in the universe

This is something much greater than I could

Ever portray—the view of the tree

Poem of the Day: Trees

BY JOYCE KILMER

I think that I shall never see

A poem lovely as a tree.

A tree whose hungry mouth is prest

Against the earth’s sweet flowing breast;

A tree that looks at God all day,

And lifts her leafy arms to pray;

A tree that may in Summer wear

A nest of robins in her hair;

Upon whose bosom snow has lain;

Who intimately lives with rain.

Poems are made by fools like me,

But only God can make a tree.

Source: Poetry (August 1913).