Prayer of the Forest

We are trees, the veins of sap
and splinter hard grown
of slow strength
solid carbon cores
eyes heavenwards in pride and glory.

We are trees, cathedrals
of life standing giants
above the masses, communities
of gods of plant, the first masters
of the earth colonising
every continent home
to countless animals.

We are trees, lungs
of the earth the mirrors
of mankind and in rank
upon rank we stand
like decaying stones
rusty in wrinkled bark flaking,
burning, hewn, killed,
portioned and sold.

We are trees.

We are trees.

Once we were gods now
we are the substance of altars.
This page was once alive.
remember me as you scribe
upon my skin, my dead cells born
to soar towards
an untouchable sun.

© Mark Sheeky. Permission is required for reproduction.