Even trees that have fallen sway in
big wind. When I perched in the large relaxed U shaped branch in our downed
cottonwood, the west wind rocked us both. The tree has fallen as far as it can,
but I had to keep my toes curled in a “hold on” grip. There is a natural order to
things, but I am not sure my perch is part of it. And yet, I couldn’t resist
the U exactly holding my curved body. A pillow propped my head but it was
important not to be inspired to sleep, diligence being required to keep from
falling to the ground. I have assessed and trimmed every
limb, and left a patch of lawn uncut to allow the tree’s touch points to rest
in tall waves of grass. I want her to remain like this forever, though she will
not. For now, I conform my body to her curves, imagining what it must have been
like in that cold heavier wind that brought her crashing to my level.
