Live Oak

“The miracle is to walk on the green earth, dwelling deeply in the present moment”

Thich Nhat Hahn

Veined on a smear of cloud and sky

she hovers above the courtyard

of tables and chairs like a hen

spreading wings over her brood,

while people sip tea & coffee,

nibble pastries,

gulp the news from metal boxes—

insurrection      invasion

persecution    starvation

On her strong limbs, green unfurls

as she clothes herself slowly 

once again and whispers

Now, now.

Here. Now.