Dear Lord,
Most High Creator

of

Roots,

Trunks,

Bark,

Branches,

Leaves,

and

Fruit,

grant me but an inch of dirt,
black and rich with nutrients,

a drop of cooling water,

and the warmth of morning sun.

i’ll make the shade and deal
with swings, heart carvings,
and
rickety tree houses.

one more thing: please, please, please
forgive me
for bearing silent witness

to lynchings.

Amen