IN THE THICK OF IT
We stand on what God gave us,
what has not worn away with time,
like trees, some better than others –
hillsides of protected acorns awaiting
their trial of light. Some will survive
the droughts, but all will fall eventually.
Do not look to the stars for equity.
Better to grip with what’s left of your roots,
hang-on and try to keep your balance
in the wind. Each slope has old ones,
some for centuries surrounded by progeny
thick as hair on a dog’s back.