Prayer in a Talisay Tree

Abe V Rotor

University of Santo Tomas, Manila

Birds nestled on your top,
beetles ensconced in your bark,
a chrysalis dangles on your branch,
and many creatures by chance
find shelter in your roots,
while ferns and lichens cling
like your own fruits.

You are a world complete
for the children and their art,
a tree for all seasons and reasons,
shining best in colors in fall,
when briefly you rest
and wake to His call.

The sun peeps through your crown
until your leaves turn golden,
to brown to green again:
this benevolent umbrella tree
many years ago I planted
is my little prayer for Thee.~

Home with Nature, AVR