“The Green One Rises”: a poem

The Green One Rises

Lie down, lie down now.

Press your ear to the cool earth.

Listen for the steady heartbeat,

your face wet from the morning dew.

Stretch out slowly and notice

how the ground does not conform to you,

that your spine molds to the soil.

Your body will recognize itself

given time.

Look up now, with gentle eyes.

Maple leaves, like hawks, are best seen

from beneath.

Now, the Green One rises and speaks

with a voice like gently scraping stones.

You hear for the first time

a story you have always known.

The most ancient truths are written

with roots, not ink.

Reach out your hands to receive

the truth of who you are.

Stuart