A Tree in the Prairie
By Lisbeth Coiman
In the forest
The tree is protected from the wind
Its roots feed from
Its own dead leaves composting on the ground;
But also from the dead leaves
And branches of the other trees.
They shelter each other in winter and summer
They keep each other
Moist at their feet
shaded from the sun, or
Warm in the cutting cold wind.
It’s hard for a
tree in the Prairie
All alone against the elements
The soil cracks around its roots in the summer heat.
The tornado in spring, and the ice in winter
Break its branches
Exposing the pulp to parasites.
The tree in the Prairie
Serves as home to
Birds and possums, and squirrels
And shade
To the cows, the horses and the cowboys.
scratches the buffalo’s back,
helps him shed his fur in spring.
The tree in the Prairie
is a secret keeper
Of so many lovers’ initials, and passersby too.
The tree in the Prairie
Comforts me
When I sit down
At its feet
To cry out my loneliness.
