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Found the universe in a burl.
A very weighty little world.
I don't know why it spoke to me.
Especially when I don't speak Tree.
I heard it say why are you here.
So late in the calendar year.
I looked to see who had spoken.
What else would endure this soaking.
Old growth must have a lot to say.
So I listened quietly on Boxing Day.
They stand together well apart.
Speaking quietly from the heart.
Some hollowed out, some straight and tall.
Protected by the mountain wall.
Old soldiers who refuse to fall.
Maybe there was something I was missing.
And they had the wisdom to make me listen.