digital re-imagining of photo by marilyn fleming
Legacy
by
Marilyn Fleming
by the summer solstice
only a transparent skeleton
stands amidst the fallen needles
the unexpected dying
seemed almost sudden
when there was certainty
the arborist in harness climbs up
with slow deliberate spurred steps
he pierces and tests the bark
a chain saw hangs from his waist
branches drop as the belt notches
higher
stabs continue the walk up the trunk
now walking down a lop off the stub
another cut until boots touch
ground
left behind a heap of bones
a giant spruce toppled
the unexpected legacy
an expanded view of the lake
a fire pit in place of the stump
cords of stacked wood
numerous tracks and droppings
a nocturnal gathering place
born to eternal life date unknown
cremation services held graveside
eulogies invited bring your own beer
Aldo Leopold benches provided
~ first
published in the Wisconsin Poets’
Calendar
