Ending Cycle

Once was seed, all tumble and skitter prone,
Searching for nook or cranny to call my own.
Seeking dark soil, moist lodge, light space.
Ready to probe, and finger delve earth and stone.
Ready to poke and peek skyward.

Once was seedling, settled and rooting,
Digging in, making mine, nestling away.
Leaf flicking, stem twitching in the winds,
Drip directing in the rain,
Ever drinking in new light as life.

Once was sapling, stand taller, taller,
Reaching higher risking all in winter,
Digging deeper devouring minerals,
Still drinking, ever drinking,
Sun and rain, rain and sun.

Once was pole, revelling in stolidity,
Building skin to protect from elements,
Bracing against sky push, digging deeper still.
Shedding, flowering, fruiting, spreading continuation,
Drinking deeply, embracing sky, catching sun.

Once was tree, all sap, and root, and dusty bark,
Matured at last, balanced at canopy and root.
Gently swaying against storms and home to stay,
Full of life and vigour …
Gracefully heading to old age…


Once was tree, …once was tree,

Once was…lumber.

Once was chair, heartwood seat,
Spindles and backrest, spokes and armrests.
Sat upon with kick swung legs
Stood upon with bare or booted feet,
Leant on, leant back, broken…

Once was kindling…

Once was smoke.