I Am Not an Oak

A poem by John Feldkamp

I Am Not an Oak

I need not be an oak, tall and strong. 

I am the willow, I bend but do not break. 

In my branches, spread far and wide, find a home. 

In my leaves, with the season, change is shown. 

In my grain, see not my age, but my wisdom known. 

I am the flower

I am the weed

I fear not color, 

I fear not being seen. 

I embrace the rain, 

Bask in the sun,

I accept that with pain, 

Growth is not undone. 

In my decay, I am not left behind 

Love, light, joy; I root in mine. 

To worms, germs, seeds, and sky

I offer nurturance, nutrients, peace of mind. 

In life: I am shade, breath, swing, climb.

In death: I am home, pyre, fire, time.