Jackpine

how many artists

have caught the

wind in your branches.

How many birds

maneuver

their claw-like

feet

between your sharp

needles.

How many suns

have you greeted

and raised your arms to.

How many souls

have sat with their

back against your

tough rough trunk.

Jackpine how many

lifetimes will you

see in us.  How many

rings do we have.

Copyright © 2010 Nicole Rigets