The Axe

The mighty axe swings,
muscles across the back
ripple as the axe finds its mark.
A rhythm develops, swing-chop,
swing-chop, soon the ancient tree
falls shaking the earth and
shouting its dying cry.

The man lovingly cuts wood
for his family to be safe and
give thanks for the fallen tree.
In its place, he plants two
saplings he’s raised
to give back to the forest
more than he took,
a wise lesson for us all.
He whispers his gratitude
for all nature that gives
to him, both working
in perfect harmony.