There was a tree here, once

Tall and proud. Then—

Abruptly truncated.

The tree did not fear

Its unbecoming

But fell, silently

Like the sun at dusk.

And like the sun,

It too will rise, silently

Again.

Edited by Leyna Hoang

Artist Statement: I wrote this poem on a walk in my hometown one evening. I have often felt a connection with nature simply because of my proximity to it throughout my life. Living near a forest, really in one, I have seen many trees fall and new ones grow in their place. This poem, in particular, was sparked by a tree trunk I sat on while watching the sun set. I had once known the tree that stood where I was now sitting, and it made me think of my own life and its constant change. While this poem has a clear message to me, I hope others can find something of their own interpretation, perhaps a more personal one than I could ever.