The tree

I stood in a gloomy and lifeless forest.

I spotted a single tree standing, lonely.

Beneath it, shredded tree stumps and whimpering leaves.

I heard the dying tree’s soft weeps.

I walked to the tree and pressed my ear to its solid, brown stump.

I heard a thump-thump, thump-thump.

I firmly wrapped my arms around the tree, providing comfort.

“Why are you troubled?” I softly inquired.

“Look around” the tree replied.

I looked. I sighed.

“My heart yearns for family,

with each greedy swing of an axe, another loved one faded”.

I paused and pondered.

Have I been a contributor?

The tree continued to cry in despair.

I sat with it until the sun faded.