Giant Sequoia Prayer

You, whose roots clenched centuries
beneath uncertain clumps of earth,
survived the lightning, axes, saws
with hardened bark and constant strength,

yet now you face a graver flame
than anything you braved before:
surrounding forests choke with smoke
as ashes smother fern and oak.

We pray for most forgiving winds,
implore the clouds to burst with mercy,
beg the blaze to spare this land.
Abide, old friend! Hold fast and stand!

Where fires climb, repulse them all!
Reject their death! Refuse to fall!
You're more than redwood, age, or height!
You're fortitude and hope tonight!




Giant Sequoia Prayer © Copyright 2021, Robert J. Tiess.

View this poem at AllPoetry.com

Mary Oliver (Praying) theme inspiration prompt challenge - link: https://allpoetry.com/contest/2796318-Mary-Oliver-Prompt

Poem inspired by recent news from redwoods in California.

Here is an example link to a recent story concerning Californian fires and the sequoia.
Submitted: January 1, 2022









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