Mindful Tree

In the long morning 

Shadows of tall buildings 

My thoughts and I strolled  

To a row of waterfalls pouring 

Into a pool that reflected 

The gentle bright sky 

On a weathered gray bench 

Breathing the fresh air of the new day 

Before the rush hour assault

Listening 

To the water, my eyes closed 

For a moment 

After the moment 

My eyes opened 

Slowly focused 

A maple tree 

In front of me  

Silver gray bark  

Slowly I became 

Aware of the tree 

Planted at crossing paths 

Where many pass 

Gashes in its skin  

People on their way had left their mark 

Initials and hearts 

Testaments 

Of love, time and space 

Written with knives 

By those who cared nothing for the life 

Beneath, within 

Closing my eyes again 

The tree trunk glowed 

Golden as sunlight 

Pulsing with love of life 

Its only will

To grow 

As I sat in its shade it came to me 

The tree is completely at peace 

Bearing no grudge or even memory

Of thoughtless blades  

Wanting only to simply 

Be