"Birch Trees" by John Olson 9/11/08

(For a friend who lost her sister)

Birch trees like just enough sun and
a long, cold slumber.

They awake to rain
and share it with the sandy loam.

Just enough and no more,
even give fire against the freeze, waiting like soldiers in ranks
beneath the snow.

And when there is no more time,
they lie down in a sea of ferns;
A doe and fawn bed
down next to the white bark.