Ancient Prayer of Trees

Dear Lord,
Most High Creator of

roots
trunks
bark
branches
and
leaves,

grant me but an inch of dirt,
a drop of cooling water,
and the warmth of morning sun.

I promise my shade to all who linger,
to cope with children’s swings,

heart carvings,
(Phil Loves Katie)

hardheaded woodpeckers,
and rickety tree houses.

But
please, please, oh please
forgive me for 
bearing silent witness 
to

lynchings.

Amen

j