Trees in the Light

A marvelous thing seems to happen

When trees are touched by light

One moment they are just sleeping

And the next they awake so bright

As the sunlight drapes over their leaves

Some lift and begin to sing

‘Glory! Glory!’ dances on their petals

And their voices to the sunlight they bring!

Others are ever so quiet

Indeed, I would say almost shy

They hide their faces in modesty

As if they aren’t worthy of the sky

Yet the sunlight touches them still

And so in humility they glow

Softly, gently, yet undoubtedly gladly

The light its beauty bestows

Some are even stranger

In the shade they seem soft and sweet

But in the light turn to regal statues

So greeting all that they meet

They seem to grow still

Somber and oh so quiet

So to these I give their will

And leave them in themselves mired

For my eyes and attention turn

To the ones I love best of all

Who when the sun shines upon them

Gives to it their all

Every leaf becomes a flame

And every flame sings in song

Oh the whole tree sings ablaze!

And I could listen all day long

Listen as it dances

Listen as it sings

For in the light it becomes a light

And to the light its whole self brings

But alas the sun comes and then it leaves

And the trees return to their quiet wait

So I too must retire to wait for the next moment

For the sunlight is never late

Copyright © 2025 by Kwek Yi Zhen