Fallen Log

The tree grows and climbs so tall.

It must take a long time

And many conditions to nurture it

To be the way it is.

One day, a storm comes and blows it over.

It falls.

Decades gone in one moment.

It lays there for a long time.

Like the tree, we climb high.

But when storms attack,

We fall

And think this is the end.

We think it is a disaster,

It is unnatural,

It is unfair,

And we give up.

But even the highest tree in the forest

Will fall one day.

Even the highest tree

Depends on the soil below and the sun above.

Yet, even the highest tree

Gives shade and shelter to all creatures

Regardless of who they are.

Even the highest tree

Fertilises the land,

So nearby trees can grow even taller.

Even the highest tree,

Can become a fallen log.

Even a fallen log,

Teaches us humility,

Equanimity,

And loving kindness.

Because even the highest tree

Cannot make a forest alone.

2006