Classroom

 

“Forest Wonders” by Carol Nelson

 

 

I eavesdrop on trees
on their eloquent colloquy
these standing professors
distinguished and tall
carry calm conversation
on subjects profound
coming each from his
different perspective
though sometimes a topic
aligns them in teams
with sycamore, hemlock
the hornbeam and pine
gathered into debate
against hickory, maple
and chestnut and oak
each filling the spaces
between them with gestures
from different-length limbs
emphatically turning
multi-finger-tipped hands
to some elegant point
of discussion

I’ve learned much
of the nature of things
through my listening
years in the forest
no longer do mysteries
phase or perturb me
I now know the deepest
held truths of existence
the means of perfecting
man’s genius, correcting
his squalors of civilization
alas these rich timbertold
wisdoms must ever
remain here
I cannot divulge them
I’m sworn to the
secrets of brotherhood
even as shag-bark grows
slowly in place of my skin

 

 

(originally posted November 2013)