Do you really know that tree?

Do you really know that tree?

You have seen a trunk
And thought you knew him.
You saw his steadfast loyalty
And the promise that would never change,
And maybe even touched his bark
When you played hide-and-seek
When you were a little boy,
Or cursed when you cut your finger
Running by
In the “tag” game of your social life.

What if you dared to look up?
What if you saw the flaming hues
Of a million sacrifices,
On fire, ever so quietly,
Burning from a love for you?
What if you chased a drifting leaf,
Running and laughing like a child?
What if you lifted your arms
With eyes that brim with wonder,
And let it float into your hands?