a s h e s

if a tree falls in the forest:

i heard a tree fall--

a crash, a crackle

of splintering wood;

and the resounding boom

of the might tower

crashing to the frozen earth.

but more than a tree fell

that night--

because as the ancient roots

ripped from the hardened ground--

i felt something harsh within me

torn out as well,

snatched from my own hardened heart.

i was left with an emptiness

inside my fearful chest

and a newfound sense

of tired humility.