Guardians of the Understory
With loyal limbs
and weaving leaves
trees bow and braid
their widespread net
intent to nourish
then protect
as branches gather
feasts of light
or cast a current
out of sight
or temper heat
as summer strains
or shield grounds
from rampant rains
while plants expand
as food or homes
so any creature
eats or roams
beneath these breathing
canopies
preserving Earth
for centuries.
Guardians of the Understory © Copyright 2021, Robert J. Tiess.
View this poem at AllPoetry.com
Dense Forests prompt challenge - link:
https://allpoetry.com/contest/2749056-Dense-Forests
More about the "Understory":
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Understory
Submitted: May 8, 2020