Tree-hugger

“Comfort” by Andrew Ian Edwards

Tree-Hugger by Mahlet Ayele

I long to speak with the trees,

hear the whispers of their leaves on a windy day.

I long to gather their wisdom,

as they stand

wearing bark wrinkled with age.

I long to feel the flake of their bark beneath my fingers,

as they stand

with skin rough and defensive.

I long to wrap their trunks in a tight embrace,

as they stand

with their arms outstretched in that welcoming way. 

I long to know the trees 

and know them completely.