Things Change

I guess it’s inevitable that things change
The birch tree starts as an acorn
Grows strong, beautiful, divine
And eventually falls back to the earth

But right now one lives
With outstretched arms
Gathering as much light as it can
It sways in the breeze,
Warms in the sun,
Breathes in day and night
Unconcerned about the inevitable

And by doing so
The black-capped chickadee can build its nest, home, future
And a gentle song emerges
A melodic testimony to the opportunities of life
The joy of hope, and the strength
Of love

How grateful I am
And I offer my love, as a gift, in return