In November 2022, the Global Tree Lovers held our Fourth Annual Celebration of Trees. Included was an interspecies, co- creative poetry experience. We focused our attention on an ancient cedar tree nearby. No longer bearing needles, its bark was silvered and smoothed by coastal winds, it’ beautiful shape accentuated by the foliage of other plants nearby.
As we came into harmony with the tree, the audience shared words describing it. The groups’ contributions were immediate and plentiful:
Record keeping, gentle, strong, gnarled, sturdy, reaching, wavy, symbiotic, starlight, enduring, regal, life giving, stretching, wise, beyond age, resilient joy, stoic, trellis, steadfast, sacred union, starburst, artistic, divine, leaning, ancient, perseverance, helpful, nurturing, God’s grace, guardian, aware, sage, caring, giving, remembering, prickly, enduring, all seeing, grandmother’s hands pledged to serve, starburst, everlasting.
Read out loud with feeling, this list forms a kind of word poem. We were all moved by the appreciation of this tree elder and when the poem ended, people sat for a moment in heartfelt reverence and awe.
Then we had audience members listen for descriptive words spoken by the trees. Once again, a long and robust list of uplifting words spilled forth. But before we read the list back as a poem, we let the group in on a secret: we had spoken with the trees earlier and ask them to give us words about us, humanity. A collective gasp was heard from the audience when they realized they were about to hear about themselves:
Beautiful reciprocity, honor, sheltering, unity, thankful, harmony, beauty,
relaxed, joyful, breathe, tingling, humble, playful, smiling, meaningful,
loving connection, safe, vibrating, life giving, eccentric, forgiving, accepting,
compassion, nurturing, open, easygoing, believe, thankful, safe space, recuperate,
music, steady, sanctuary, protection, communion, touching, hopeful,
free, round, sail away, trust me, resilient, expansive, limitless, silent,
no boundaries, quiet, connection, aware, respectful, peaceful, happy,
vibrant, support, embracing, appreciation of you needing our help, unity, love
It was emotional and inspiring to recognize and embrace the way we are seen by the trees and a call to action to live up to it.
We encourage you to read this list aloud and let it sink into your soul.