House-Tree

That old Maple just outside the window, daily I look at it, and it, daily looks everywhere. Perhaps this old house was built prior to the tree's birth; however, I doubt that. The Maple is so very old. Now, to be sure, this house was built before I was! It is really old ... but, that tree! oh, that amazing, grand and glorious old tree... is beyond age. It extends, like generations past. It looks in all directions, like a god. It sees, up, down and all around. It sees me and this old house. It knows the passing of time. It understands living, and dying. Birds and chipmunks move along, and through it. All form of living creatures come to rest within it's peace. Just as if it were indeed an old house of it's own. Yet, how can that be? For it has no roof or rooms, chinking or chimney, walls or windows... or, then again, does it? Could it be on those in whom abide, that they decide? Birds - butterflies squirrels - snakes mice - moles, and, even the smiling moon. These all, family members of the old tree, in agreement have shown me how this tree has been a home longer than and to more than any house ever erected. Reminding me that, acceptance of all is the wisdom that truly gives life.