A maple grows beside a pine
at the start of the spring season.
“How can these two trees be neighbors?”
People ask, “It defies all reason.

Nature tells us, as a rule,
that these two species can’t be paired.
How different are the basic elements
for whicht they’re each prepared.”

But their roots grow ever deeper
in spite of this protest,
one branch reaching for the other,
as if to build a child a nest.

“Caress me with your velvet leaves,
don’t wait for me to ask you, please.
My needles are so thin and sharp,
they need the warmth within your heart.

I see that you are drawn to me, too,
attracted to my deep green hue
and the bed of needles I have sown,
so soft and cool, which lies below.”

The maple hears these loving words,
extends her arms out wide,
and radiates delight as
the pine tree draws her to its side.

***

At the start of the spring season
a maple grows beside a pine...