
Bark

Outerwood, outerlimit, outerwear –
The tree stops here.
Weathered, tethered to the earth
and rooted –
Perfectly booted and
suited to the wear and tear of life.
Crackled and fissured
Runneled and rucked
Facing the elements – first responder
Rugged protector.
Covering a world of rich complexion
A city of secrets and hidden connection.
Anchored and fast
Built to last
A stately finality and brimming reality.
Stretching up to the sky-life - the high life
Supporting all, in its wonder-realm
Always the mast and always the helm.

Standing stock still
Through the rain and the gale
A wrinkled sock, mossy and dark
Hosting more life in its seams and its cracks -
All the skin in the game
Of the tree it became.
From: The Poetry Lab
by Georgeanne