the congregation of trees

the trees,
the congregation of trees.
elms,
and maple.
oak,
the willow bent against
the blue
skied wind.
rooted
in the round earth.
all in prayer, all
different,
all in silent
meditation.
together.
if there is grumbling
about the water
or light, the lay
of the land,
it goes unsaid,
unheard.
even the axe
upon
their trunk is taken
as part
of this life they've
been offered
to live in.