For the Trees (a poem)

Here is something a little different today.  A poem I wrote a while back.  Enjoy!

"For the Trees"

looking to the East I see a tree
it stands alone, magnificent
I stare and wonder at it's glory
I begin to journey toward it
focused and sure of my way

all along the path
I marvel to God at the splendor
and beauty of this tree
long weeks pass ere I reach the shade
beneath it's expansive branches

"God!" I cry, "Let me be a part of this!
Let me stay here and care for this tree.
Surely you pointed me to this place."

God sighs and points, "Look, there."
I follow his finger as it points back to the tree.
I examine the texture of it's bark, the complexity of it's leaves

"That is what I'm looking at!
God, this gift, it is beyond my understanding.
Let me stay here and learn."

Again God sighs.
He looks at me, as only a father can,
when their children doesn't understand.
He takes me by the shoulder,
guides me just past the tree and says,
"No.  Look at that."

I follow his outstretched arm
and see
just beyond the tree

before me, a massive sprawl of mountains
and leagues of forests full of beautiful trees
my mind struggles to comprehend all that I see
the hues and shapes of his design

how did I miss all this!?

how did I journey for so long
and not see this vast ocean before me

I look up to my Father
He smiles
"Go," he whispers softly
and he gently pushes me toward my future

(January 6th, 2011)