Student to a Tree

I am sitting here at the window Facing this amazing tree That won't stop talking to me. It even looks wise, this oak, Reaching to the sky. Strong and vulnerable, Dense and filagreed. How many circuits Around the sun has it done? How has it judged The ages it has lived through? It doesn't, though, intimidate. Old and wise ones Have no need to do that; Their mere presence An invitation to just Be still, listen and learn. It holds and enfolds And calls me To full attention. If it has written a book, I will read it. Keep talking to me, tree, Please keep talking to me. If I were to be here Three hundred and sixty-five days in a row, You would have Something new to say Every single day. Please keep talking. ... This is a classroom And I am sitting In the front row Taking notes... And I am the lucky one.