The Aspen Tree

I submitted this poem in a poetry contest recently. Unfortunately, it didn’t win the contest, but I’m still proud of it nonetheless. I’ve always loved the way Aspen trees turn golden yellow and have eyes on their trunks that spy on you. And the way their leaves are shaped cause them to wave at you in the wind. If you live in an area where these friendly trees grow, pay one a visit on your next hike.

The Aspen Tree

On a lonely trail,
while walking in silence,
my footsteps wake
The Aspen tree. 
She opens her eyes 
All over her trunk
And curiously watches me
as my own eyes catch hers.
Her golden leaves 
shaped like hearts
wave at me to greet me,
like I am an old friend
that she has never met.
Her branches gesture to me
to sit in her shade —
O friendly Aspen tree,
how the wind makes you shiver!
Are you as cold
and as lonely as I am?
You have seen me
when no one else did.
Yes, I will sit with you
In your welcoming shade,
And we will be lonely

Together.