My Tree

“Untitled” by Tanya Shriv

My Tree by Meher Chopra

When I was young, I had a tree

A glamorous, graceful tree

Who I loved and cared for unconditionally 

And feared to be apart from 

And so when I’m old and gray

Dull and bland, black and white

Take me to my tree I so loved

And bury me with her 

Bury me at my tree

My beautiful, gorgeous tree

Her branches laced with fuzzy green moss

And bedazzled with magenta painted berries

Bury me within her roots

Dug deep into the rich black soil

That gave me the feeling of stability

When I felt I had no other

Bury me by her trunk

That kept me safe all those years

And held me tight and comfortable

With her strength and force of steel

Bury me close to her limbs

That rocked me back and forth

Cradling me in her motherly arms

Offering comfort that I never felt before

Bury me with her leaves

That once would dry my eyes

Wiping the tears off my cheeks 

With a soft green caress 

Bury me near her buds

That flourish during spring

Erupting into delicious violet berries

Giving me joy to do countless back handsprings

Bury me at my tree

My lustrous, stunning tree

So I can give her love and watch her grow

As she patiently did with me.