unremarkable

i've sat a long time, staring

at the roots of trees.

for me to see, they must be uprooted,

disturbed.

then i can imagine,

and they need feel no pain.

i smell the dirt

and touch the earth,

call up the mem'ry from every trip home...

the fallen tree that pulled with it an almost perfect circle

of ground,

a halo at its base,

lying by the road, tucked away

by the bushy arms of its brothers till winter comes

i want to stop.

i've wanted to for a long time.

months, years...

each time just a glance,

a glance at my holy tree.

now i need no picture,

just the memory.

and in me, i bear the halo,

i smell the dirt.

in the pavement and the florescent light,

i have the earth,

and shall not be uprooted.