Praise the Undaunted

Photo by Sharon Auberle

How the trees inform us,
how they stand, how they stand!
How they celebrate the wind,

divide the sky, grab each
a share of earth for sustenance.
Folding their tents at noonday

they close their stoma-eyes
to conserve their life’s blood. Faithfully, they
follow seasonal rituals

like pious monks, intoning plainsong.
How they stand! How they stand
embracing the sun, outlasting

unbelievers, generous
with succession. They breathe our smog
without complaint and exhale life,

waving their colors boldly. Blithely unaware
how much we ask of them.

Brew Coffee Shop in Ellison Bay will feature “Praise the Undaunted, an ekphrastic show featuring poems from Madison poet Alice D’Alessio’s book A Blessing of Trees, paired with photo artwork by Door County poet and photographer Sharon Auberle.
The opening reception will take place on Thursday, October 6 from 4 – 6 pm, and include readings of A Blessing of Trees by D’Alessio. Refreshments will be served.