on a wonderful afternoon in spring i encounter an old friend, that glorious old ancient friend of a tree in front of holloway hall.

i sit down... below. it's branches touch the ground, making a circle of comfort and protection.

the sun shines through...

the leaves. darting. in and out. i softly put my hand on its bark.

rough and smooth and filled with the marks of weather and time.

i reach my arms around its trunk. and ask for strength before i leave.

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Copyright 1995 All rights reserved Kelley Rouse

kxrouse@sae.ssu.umd.edu

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