Soul of a Tree

Take any tree
gloriously standing apart
branches twisting up toward the light
knowing nothing but the light
even when the cold beats against its bark
then snow sticks, creating stark
contrast to the brown ridged surface
as does the golden sun of afternoon
those warm days glowing against green leaves
later to gracefully age
colored from life above the surface
so much depth not seen from up here
tiny roots curling tight around stones in the soil
embracing the fertile ground, or
sometimes barren land its only reservoir
yet it pulls its strength from either
shooting up from the ground
that first small green start
reaching up for the light
it knows nothing, but the light.