Trees of Life

Numerous ages, cultures, and religions
revere our planet’s sacred palm trees
they signify success, peace, resilience
abundance, stability, and faithful justice
their fruits are so plentiful and healthy
they bring calming consecrations to all
in a hopeful embodiment of eternal life

Palms help us discover forgotten waters
springing up an oasis against harsh suns
fronds become roofs beneath dark storms
and their roots spread wide and deep
they descended from grasses—not trees
so their trunks sway as a flexible muscle
bending to absorb fearsome tempests

Like palms—we can be stronger and safer
respected—durable—thriving under light
standing far taller for peace and kindness
protecting from storms of doubt and fear
being just and giving greener grace to all
for like them—are we not called to serve?
to become God’s dependable trees of life?