Prayer for a Tree

Pity
dust. You know
this frame.

Plant us by living streams--
not so near faith
soddens--
Mellow us not!
Teach your saplings to yearn.

Root us in prayer
pressed down
to cling to fertile soil.

Mark this bark deep
with lines of remembrance.
Prune withered limb;
flower fruit in season.

Graft us into the cross,
boughs vaulting heaven
unfurled to receive--praise!

Pierced hands pluck fruit.
Remind.
It was not we
sowed, sunned the seed.

Amen.