Symbiosis

Old, dry, and shriveled up

Bereft now of new shoots and green leaves

Bent almost double like a century-old man

The tree that I have known for many years

Someone whom I meet almost every day

Is waiting for me this morning.

 My walk includes a trip thru the old park

I stop in its shade, caress my friend’s rough trunk

Wait for my breathing to become balanced again.

 The trunk is rough to the touch

Uneven, jagged, and craggy

I put my head against its rough surface

Close my eyes, say a word of thanks

And then go farther on my way.

 Today a change greets me

I have been away for a month or so

This is my first-morning walk on my return.

The oldie is there but I just can’t recognize it

He wears a youthful verdant look today!

 I look around and see other trees

Green and young and pleasing to the eye, but

Old as he was, a comrade in age, he was my only friend

I had never given any thought to the others.

 It seems the fate has done it a good turn

A neighboring climber, a vine, green and purple

Healthful, zestful, fresh and soft and velvety

A young damsel-like growth, slim but sturdy

Curling its arms around the trunk – round and round

Up and up it has climbed reaching almost its bald head

Dancing with the wind in glee

As if saying, “I needed a dependable friend –

To grow tall and healthy

Spread my wings far and wide

And I know I’ve got it in symbiosis”

 The shaggy and craggy trunk

Wears a green look, soft to the touch, dew-like fresh

Exudes pubescence, a rejuvenated spirit of youth.

  I, too, have a relationship of sorts