In the Arms of a Tree

I sink down on the stone bench
And let the tree envelope me in her arms.
Its limbs reach out in all directions
Providing me space to drop the weight that I’m carrying
With the promise that they will protect me.

I close my eyes, and breathe deeply,
As my body releases its tension,
Allowing my ears to be my guide
To the message that nature needs to impart
As I take a break from the world.

The water falls from the small fountain
With its steady trickle
Drip, drip, dripping a rhythmic beat
Into the pond below.

The birds provide the choir
As they call each other.
Each sings their own tune,
Whistling and trilling as they look for their mate
Or for the joy of being alive.

The shuffling of feet along the path
As people wander back and forth in this alcove
Provides a steady hum of life.
Voices muted as they take in the beauty that surrounds them.
Overhead, planes fly unaware of the quietude below.

This tree is my haven,
A steadfast presence no matter what is going on
In the world or my head.
It’s rooted in my consciousness, bringing me calm

Even when I’m not in its presence.
I’m transported to this tree in my mind’s eye.
My breathing quiets
And I find my serenity again.