One evening in November
I found myself alone
Among the autumn cottonwoods
Behind my childhood home

They lined the creek I walked along
And rustled in the air
With leaves that rolled in reverent waves
Like answers to a prayer

The trees held grace and wisdom as
They grew to noble height
They welcomed every creature and
They watched their troubled plight

Will winter bring a bitter freeze
Or gentle falling snow?
Will every worry melt away?
Will spring and summer grow?

I watched an owl fly away
I felt the evening chill
Alone and small among the trees
I listened closer still

Then soft the numinous forest spoke
It whispered wise relief:
Your sorrow is a passing breeze
Your pain a falling leaf

~ Geoff Groberg