This was inspired by the remnants of a cedar tree trunk on an outcrop of rock on our lake. When canoeing from a specific angle and in a certain light the remaining two large roots that lead to the sheared off trunk appear like two arms clasped together in prayer, reaching for heaven. What is left of the tree and its branches are clearly seen submerged in the water at the base of the cliff.
All that remained,
suspended above the lake,
clinging to the cliff,
holding firm to the rock
were the outstretched remnants
of some ancient cedar
still rooted in hidden crevices.
Countless years of
storms, soothing breezes,
sunlight, clouds,
rain, sleet, snow, ice,
lightning and thunder,
lashing gales and
soft falling rain
had nourished and tormented
that once majestic tree
proudly standing over the lake
until some random touch leaned
on some unseen weakness
and, unable to withstand,
it split, snapped, and was gone.
Lost.
A century of silent prayers
now a helpless skeleton
ghost-like in the clear waters.
While above,
still clinging to the rockface
a solitary supplicant remained,
constantly pleading
to the ever changing sky
for what could be no more.
Steadfast silent sentinal,
Hope beyond despair.
As we glide by.
