The Woman Who Planted Trees

I can tell my age
By the height of trees
By the years they've stood
Growing over me

When I was a girl
You planted seeds
And cast your love
Forever over me

When the land was dry
No food to eat
When the soil was sick
And the river weak

You took a spade
Bare hands, bare feet
And sowed your love
Roots down deep

In the cool, dark shade
Leaves sing your name
Wild green tongues glisten in the glade
Your branches warp, my fingers weft
Weave me through this gift you left

From a prison cell
You dreamt of trees
Blood dried black
Upon your cheek

You didn't know
Around the world
People listened
People learned

Water returned
Soil healed
Hope restored with every yield
Trees grew high
Bones grew strong
Enough for everyone

In the cool, dark shade
Leaves sing your name
Wild green tongues glisten in the glade
Your branches warp, my fingers weft
Weave me through this gift you left

I can tell my age
By the height of trees
By the years they've stood
Growing over me