By Claire Burianek
Oh aspen tree,
your regal grace astounds me.
Your steadiness grounds me.
Your abundance overwhelms me.
Oh aspen tree,
if only we
could learn to stay rooted
in truth as you do.
Oh aspen tree,
marvelous example
of living in
harmonious community.
Oh aspen tree,
you are steadfast
no matter the season-
we can rely on you.
Oh aspen tree,
the forest creatures
are lucky to have
your guiding hand for shelter.
Oh aspen tree,
every time I look out the window
there you are,
waving back at me.
Oh aspen tree,
your leaves remind me
of the joy
that pausing to dance can bring.
Oh aspen tree,
you are ever graceful,
ever true, ever giving,
ever enduring, ever beautiful.
I thank you by protecting you
the way you protect all of us.