Trees of Promise

WE ARE LIKE TREES IN GOD’S EYES

WITH ONE EYE HE SEES US
IN SPRINGTIME FINERY

FLOWERED
AND LEAFED

AND MOVING
TO THE WIND OF THE SPIRIT

WITH THE OTHER EYE
HE SEES US AS WINTER TREES

LIMBS BROKEN
BATTERED BARK
ROOTS EXPOSED

MAYBE SOME TRUNK ROT
SETTING IN

AND HE LOVES US
NOT FOR WHAT WE ARE
BUT WHAT WE CAN BECOME

AND IF AT THE END
OR ANYTIME

WE ARE LIKE THE GOOD THIEF
WHO CRIES
BE MERCIFUL TO ME A SINNER

I HAVE NOT BOURNE FRUIT
NOR PROVIDED SHADE
NOR GIVEN SHELTER TO BIRDS

HE
SEEING OUR SUMMER TREE
OF PROMISE
SAYS

WELCOME HOME


FRANK A VOLLMER