my father, the arborist
lean into the sun
My Dad has been the town arborist of my hometown for around 20 years now, and this man loves his trees, Nature walks when I was little would turn into lessons on different tree species, invasive species, and the different ways of pruning a tree (because its a great idea to teach a seven year old how to use a pole saw). My Dad is very passionate about trees and caring for them, as well as educating others.
On coming back into my poetry practice, I realized how much I was not only learning about myself but also caring for myself for the first time in a while. My Dad is still always educating me about trees, and I’ve learned through the years how much trees take care of themselves.
On teaching me about trees, my Father has taught me to take care of myself and lean back into the light.
Thank you so much for taking the time out of your day to read my piece. I’d really appreciate it if you let me know what you thought down below!
my father, the arborist
my father,
the arborist
told me one time
about how the trees
lean towards the sun
to feel more light throughout the day.
my father,
the arborist,
said that this is called phototropism,
that the trees need to be in the sun
to gain more strength,
to heal.
and in some ways
poetry is my sun
and in coming back into her light
i have come back into myself
and isn’t that what this is all for?
to lean back into the light?
— a.g