mighty Ash, battle-scarred yet healing
callousing wounds over dead heartwood
mossy armchair bole flaring out for comfort
waiting chamber beneath inviting gifts
in return for wisdom, connection with
underworld below and heaven above
roots roaming wide on woodland floor
finding anchorage, nutrition, connection
canopy stretching tall to the sky above
finding fire for growth, communion with gods
unique in a woodland of younger Ash
you were saved and I found you
long-known yet scarcely appreciated
for your depth and heights
majestic presence here and now
my doorway to this woodland realm
mother Earth and hidden old ones
expansion surpassing understanding
I feel your deep fury and resignation
of what is, of what is yet to come
looming tragedy of desolation
lumbering ire at the folly of men
still we have our forest communion
resilience of Ash and soul love of woman
© yvonne mcdermott 2019