THE REDWOOD


The redwood stretched for the sky
It has been here for many years
Keeping secrets as it grows
Green ferns surround its base

She leans against the strong trunk
The sun appears to shine in her hair
She has a tear
Slowly washing her face

Her heart is empty now
She tries to think where it all went wrong
But the knowing isn�t hers
She pushes the world away

She laughed in days past
Danced to beautiful music
The emptiness is her only fiend
She brings it in close

No one will hurt her again
The redwood is rubbing her back
A gentle touch
She moves swaying with the breeze

He left not long ago
The usual story of her loves
Why do they always leave
A question she doesn�t try to answer

She looks up through the branches
As far as she can see
Only the redwood in view
A solitary world

A whisper in her ear
She looks around
No one to be seen
The voice tells her all is love

I will fill your empty heart
I�m a friend when no others are
Still only the redwood
She turns and knocks on the tree

What wonders lie inside
How long have you lived here
I have been since the beginning
You are not alone in this life

Look at the beauty
Everywhere from the ocean
To the mountains
There is love

In the soul of every man
There is love
In the emptiness of the thoughtless
Still there is love

She feels the warmth of the words
Another tear falls on her cheek
This time for not seeing
There is hope

She stands while not moving
Away from the redwood
Looks out at the forest
A man in the distance

She wonders in this magical place
Could this be love
Then softly in the air she hears
A friend is love enough for this time

He walks towards her
And she to him
A smile of knowing
The empty heart begins to fill


Michael V Hechtman