I find my peace in the treetops
Always have, as long as I can remember
I feel the sunlight hugging the leaves, turning them into white highlights that wink at me, telling me that I am seen and loved
But only for a second
They move constantly, swimming on unseen air currents, creating a symphony with only a whisper
Softly clattering as they collide and make friends
The sunlight, dancing across the leaves speaks to my soul
All moving freely in the wind that’s so different way up there
Each one, unique and beautiful, tethered to their limbs, giving the tree life
Is this the same breeze that came across my face, that took away my attention when the other kids were yelling at the batter telling him he couldn’t hit?
Or yelling at a football game for our team to get another 10 yards?
All while I was looking up into the treetops
Looking at the leaves and how they swayed in the breeze
My attention has always been drawn to the canopy
Where no one else spends the time to look
Much to my parents and coach’s chagrin.
Since I was a kid, the canopy has spoken to my soul
7 years old, on my back in the grass, looking up at the SugarMaples towering over our little house on the corner
Too young to know why, but that’s the purest love isn’t it?
No why is needed
Just show up, look up, and be
The play of light across the leaves is a symphony
It's poetry, beauty, trust and peace
All while I sit quietly, just watching
When I die, and I hope not soon
Bury me deep, and plant a tree over me
One that will grow straight and tall, that stretches up to the sun
So, I can finally see what I have always loved
Firsthand
