this tree which cannot read

[Alan Sondheim]

this tree which cannot read


8c8
< i am standing in storm and in sunlight.
---
> i am standing in storm and in snunlight.

i am the writing for this tree.
i am standing here day and am standing here night.
i am standing in storm and in sunlight.
i am standing in snow and in fog and in thaw.
i have never seen the other side of the hill.
i have no idea what is on the other side.
i can't see into the ground unless a squirrel digs a very wide hole.
i can't move to escape the squirrel who is busy with me.
i can't move closer to hear anything on the other side of the hill.
since i am blind perhaps there is no hill.
perhaps there is no squirrel.
when the great winds come i cannot protect myself.
i can only hope and can only hope when the great fires come.
when i lose a part of myself i do not lose the whole.
i am not sure when i lose a part of myself but i am sometimes
strengthened.
i cannot tell what is happening around me nor avoid the axe.
i cannot huddle or mourn and cannot tell you about my children.
if any of them should live. i cannot speak.
i am writing this gift for my friend the tree which is outside my window.
my friend cannot hear me and cannot see me.
these many years. my friend has not known me.
i am writing for my tree which cannot read.


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