(Couplet)An Ardent Texas Tree

The bald cypress tree would like to be remembered
for better things, than the sharp shooter

sitting amongst its fortress of leaves.  Shaking
free the dark needled memories, it welcomes flowing

wings, and tightly woven nests with  eager
fledglings, expressing a fervent need to take flight. 

This cypress dreams of life, hopes that dance like tiny
slender leaves drifting up into the clouds, golden and brown

decorating the sky spinning and twirling,  
waiting to touch the ground and graze

against the glistening water that generously
feeds its mighty twin tree’s roots.  Watching

the tourists pass by on boats while guides reminds
this wise tree of the travesties of war,

through tales of the Alamo.  This grand tree prefers
to hear the stories of people passing by

or patrons sitting on the planter, whispering secrets
in wondering ears, and promises of love.

Wishing for clear star lit nights and red-maple
Texas summer sunsets.  Listening to the trickles

of rain on the River Walk and the melody
of happy voices singing along to restaurant mariachis.

Its twin trunks strong with memories, perceptive of love
and loathing of others, waiting to whisper

its insights through the breeze, crackling
its slim crisped aged leaves.  The verity

and understandings crying out amongst
its creaking limbs, and sap oozing

its thick and sticky honey truth.  Sharing its solid
pear shaped seeds to spread its ardent beliefs.