By Rena Priest
2021-2023 Washington State Poet Laureate
& member of the Lhaq’temish (Lummi) Nation
I have seen a tree split in two
from the opposing weight of its branches.
It can survive, though its heart is exposed.
I have seen a country do this too.
I have heard an elder say,
That we must be like the willow –
bend not break.
I have made peace this way.
My neighbors clear-cut their trees,
leaving mine defenseless. The arborist
said they’d fall in the first strong wind.
Together we stand. I see this now.
I have seen a tree grown around
a bicycle, a street sign, and a chainsaw,
absorbing them like ingredients
in a big melting pot.
When we speak, whether or not
we agree, the trees will turn
the breath of our words
from carbon dioxide, back into air –
give us new breath
for new words,
new chances to listen,
new chances to be heard.