searching through acres of saplings,
willowy second growth
his heart holding desire
blade-sharp
wanting the nubile the supple, the fresh
he trod tirelessly, steeper and farther
desperate with longing
he raised his voice
its timbre a thunder, a resounding wail,
an earthquake of emotion
echoing, reverberating,
disturbing the quiet.
her roots trembled and loosened
she fell, splitting her skin, her shield, her protection,
became vulnerable, unarmored
precious heartwood revealed
she shook from the chill of it
afraid of discovery
hearing the fall, heeding his heart
he ascended still higher
raced to her side, knelt tenderly
touching her quaking branches
his eyes softened,
revelation unfolded
in the core of her being,
inner strength,
wisdom gained from storms long past
he gently caressed her and now understood
the true, durable beauty of her soul
his wandering ended, his healing began
in solid depths
he labored with love
carving new forms
of giving and taking
holding her open, holding her close
savoring the heartwood
[*or "In praise of the older woman"]
