To you who protects

Journey through this endless garden

Follow me carefully, down this ragged path

You watch, you whisper, you judge

Great beauty standing proud and tall

You watch, you bend, you break

Leaves a mask, shadow a friend

A distant song, a river’s tears

Tremors of long-forgotten calls

You watch, you fight, you grow

Centuries, protecting this land

You watch, you hurt, you love

We cut you down, no resistance

Familiar, the cicada chirps,

The forest’s gentle caress

You watch, you shield, you sustain

Life is nothing without your breath

You watch, you whisper, you judge

A soul of countless mysteries

Trepidation – solace; bringing life to death

I find serenity in your wooden embrace