The roots of silence are deep

Branches twist and intertwine

like the endless struggles of thought

Sun shines upon ancient crystal Buddha

with slow, warm compassion

The wind breathes through the boughs

as Elohim exhales a peaceful sigh

>

This is not the Tree of Life

as strong and serene as it may be

This is the Tree of Afterlife

born before the ages of man

destined to remain long after our time

>

I sit beneath the Banyan Tree

with its intricate design of limbs and roots

So it is above as it is below

>

I sit on the middle ground

knowing the roots of my own foundation

cannot support the elevation I desire

I have neither the compassion of Buddha

the forgiving determination of Christ

nor the strength of Mohamed’s will

>

I am a rooster that crows bravado each morning

shouting my existence to the world

then pecking at grubs upon the ground

as my reward for being alive

>

I sit in silence beneath the Tree

knowing what I can never be

but awaken to what always is