“…and a branch shall grow out of his roots.” – Isaiah 11:1

Holy tree in the forest,
whose roots descend into the ground 
further than the reach of the nimblest of fingers,
in these beginning moments of winter
when the first feel of the chill wind numbs
and surprises us into awareness,
turn our being still into preparation,
not only for the long season ahead,
but also for the seasons yet to come
where fruit follows flower following bud.
Amen.