I am a Redwood - Jan. 2, 2024

taller than most of you gangly jacarandas

plump ficus’   tough-looking mesquites

frail palo verdes and stout pines

and more exposed to the elements

sunburn  cold  hurricanes and hail

while you nestle with neighbors

that cast shadows for each other

it’s also harder for me to push sap

to make leaves and farther to fall

but I will say I am happy

our roots are entangled

adore that we touch

in light winds

and embrace

when it storms