By Michael D Hill
Date: 26 August 1999

A New Dawn

The sun crests behind the limbs of a dripping wet tree
Small leaves turned fall limp from the downpour of rain
Glistening beads of water collect on the ends of cotton like buds
Splashing to the ground with the beat of a morning drum
This beautiful tree stands alone before me 
I can not take my eyes off of it
I wonder if the tree sees the perfect picture before me?
I wonder if the tree feels exhausted?
Tired from its battle with the overpowering storm
Does this wonderful creation have any idea of the power Mother Nature has bestowed upon it?
Maybe it views the fallen leaves?
Maybe the broken branches that stew the ground like fallen pieces of hope and strength?
The seemingly hopelessness that can appear if you look through the water beads just right
I wish I could show her the strength and beauty that she still possesses
How a perfect act of nature can never be swayed by just a passing storm
That soon this marvelous creation of nature will stand majestic again
I wish trees had lungs, so she could smell the fresh scent in the air after the storm
It will fill you with renewed life
Embrace the new day before you and languish in the positives of the stormy night
For many days will pass and this storm will not be remembered as a defeat
But as a necessary step in the circle of her long, long, life.

A Tree Lover