October 25-29, 2025

Crown Shyness

how does a tree know

if another tree’s nearby

it doesn't want to touch

how does a tree top learn

to grow out only so far

do its leaves, reaching far

touch, turn away in fright

or, sensing some change

in gentle breeze's blow

wisp off to steadier stream

it may be leaves are shyer

at their crown than else

yet autumn says otherwise

as from trunk to distant top

glory gleams in golden light