Scrolled around the base of ponderosa pines,
an alphabet of bark speaks the language of trees.
Sounds take shape in kanji characters,
each peeled- off piece a unique design.

Rest here and ponder each letter,
the meanings that start or finish a phrase.
Then slowly, take in another
for tree script is written through rings of time.

And after all the words have been spoken
rest your ear against its skin
and listen to the heartwood of silence.
The place where words are born.