Resilient
a tree
can stand
so strong
and steady
for a thousand years
its bark
once soft
with scratches
the branches bending
in leafy green
transforms
in time
the elements rewind
fire and rain
do damage
a relentless wind
rips off every leaf
a brush of lightning
a trail of termites
an axe at the back
takes its toll
seasons shed
ice over
thaw in spring
new growth appears
like butterflies
and bumblebees
and chainsaws
and even thousand-year-old trees
can fall
slam to the ground
in seismic vibration
a tree no more
becomes instead
timber
lumber
firewood
furniture
or framing
hardwood flooring
a door
a boat to float away in
statues
baseball bats
bow and arrow
skis
hockey sticks
a coffin
or simply a sheet
of paper
to write on
draw on
or fold
into
origami
chains
and airplanes
for nothing
ever does
remain
the same
TL