Grandmother Maple

Once upon a time

I wished upon a poem

To take me to a place

Where I could feel at home

My words were answered

Miracles began to unfold

When I moved into a house

On the gravel Sarty Road

I saw an image of

Climbing Jacob’s ladder

I was led to a place

Where souls like to gather

In the heart of the forest

Its ambient sound

I could hear a heartbeat

Pulse above ground

Birds were singing

Squirrels were chasing

The brook was bubbling

My mind stopped racing

When I arrived at a clearing

Leaves rustled in the breeze

Nothing prepared me

For the feeling of ease

The Empress of the land

Stood majestic and whole

I could hear her essence

Speak to my soul

Her name is Grandmother Maple

She is 560 years wise

Her presence is respected

By all who realize

Her root system is buried

Deep in the earth

She holds her community

While they die and rebirth

I could feel her roots

In the depths of my being

My solitude expanded

My burdens were freeing

She is the keeper of secrets

I shared with trust

While she imparted knowledge

To help me adjust

Inside her crevices

Red pouches they place

An offering of herbs

For her wisdom and grace

My heart has mended

The season did change

I now offer her healing

As a noble exchange

Reverence to Grandmother Maple

The supreme peace translator

Placed here upon the earth

As a gift from our creator

-heather may