Danielle Tietjen
Photography and Poem By Erik Holleque
She stood, stately and strong— A tree, gleaming with golden leaves, Abiding along the stream, With a deep sense of joy, As the aureate branches Reached out in purpose and meaning. Her twigs danced in the sun, And the birds nested As children laughed And played in the grass Beneath her boughs. She could be you, Or me, Or any wounded soul, Who finds meaning in steadfast love. We lie in the grass Gazing through the shimmering branches To the turquoise sky, And relish the full, deep sense of connectedness With those who are honest and true.