My Love Affair With Trees

I've always been drawn to trees. 

When I was a child

I'd climb higher and higher among the branches 

until I'd wedge myself into a limb cradle and ride the wind. 

Trees are such loyal companions -

fragrant blossoms in the spring,

welcome shade in the summer,

full ripe fruit in the fall

black silhouettes against the blue dark sky in the winter.

This winter has been heavy with snow. 

A huge limb broke off our old apricot tree. 

My husband cut the severed limb into logs for our fireplace. 

But I've had a hard time letting them go up in smoke. 

They look so well composed lined up in a row

ready to offer me their last measure of devotion.