I forget
mostly
that trees are right side up and upside down
mirror images of themselves
branches and roots
that they take up as much space underfoot
as overhead
this miracle
like so many of the green variety
stays hidden
we are so tied
to what we can see with our own eyes
"I'll believe it when I see it"
a sad battle cry
that has limited our understanding
our imaginations stunted
when it comes to the natural world
things we can't see
fill the universe
keep us guessing
keep us searching
at least for today
the mirror of the river
the double suns
the dark, sculptural branches reaching upwards
reminds me
of the dark, sculptural roots reaching down
and I pause
inhale in appreciation
before moving on
and forgetting all over again
the dew on my shoes the waters of the Lethe
but I excuse my forgetting
for how could I ever get anything done
if everywhere I looked
I could see the mysteries of nature
revealed and clear
I would be Medusa-struck still
awe-filled and rooted
to my own place
So I'm grateful
that nature reveals herself
in pieces
in moments
that I can bear
