The tree I planted 30 years ago
is pushing now against the foundation wall,
and blocking sunlight from that side of the house.
It grew exactly as tall as I wanted it to,
but takes up way more space than I ever imagined.
***
If its needles sit on the roof undisturbed,
they rot slowly,
taking the shingles with them into decay.
You can buy such needles
at the hardware store by the bushel,
and spread them, deliberately, as mulch.
People pay good money for these needles,
the ones not left to rot on roof tops.
***
When I cut the tree down, it fought hard,
bleeding all over me
in a sap that can never be fully removed.
I understand completely;
I would have done the same,
but you can’t repair a foundation
with roots in the way.
***
I make amends to every needle
that lay wasted on my roof for 30 years.
Needles to the compost.
Branches to the bonfire.
Trunk to the wood stove.
Roots to the carver.
***
I never could have guessed
that one small seed
would make me a roofer,
a stonemason,
an arborist,
and a sun-catcher
all in the same year.
Copyright 2023 Kesel Wilson (entirely, 100% human-created)
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Kesel Wilson 