by Pavel Chichikov
The orange root might be persimmon
But mulberry is much more common
It cuts the garden underneath
In two and has an orange sheath
Tough, resilient, back it springs
The tempered blades of shovels sing
It is a root that travels long
Beyond the fence, and still beyond
Where the branch, and where the bole
To join the root and make it whole?
Find the place Elijah prayed
Underneath, though not in shade
For it will spread and then protect
The flesh, the soul, the intellect
And it will light instead of hide
Love and hate, forbearing, pride
A root of light, a tree forever
No axe no edge no blade may sever
(Click here to follow Pavel's ongoing epic poem “The Shoulder of the Sun.” You may also visit Pavel's website at Grey Owl Press.)
