Two grand trees stand near each other in our woods.
One is elm,
split base, long branches, trunks, more like,
squirrels home in its hollows,
chipmunks burrow in its roots.
Across the narrow creek between, the other,
a maple,
single trunk, broccoli branches, forty foot high.
Home for one flicker family, two robins, a wren.
I wonder, after all these years,
how they greet each other on the first Spring morning,
bleary eyed, stretching their limbs.
Does the elm ask the maple, “Have a comfortable sleep?”
And how, in late October, as the last leaves fall,
will maple farewell elm?
Might she whisper,”Rest gently”?
May he reply, “See you in the Spring!”?

I see my love and I wishing for which ever one
Winter arrives first, “A soft nights sleep”,
Then each singing greetings to each
as the sap begins to rise,
the ice blanket melts,
becoming drink
for our next leafing
and our next…