If I

by Taylor Blayse

IF I

And the stories the oak holds deep within his branches

Stretching,

Strong branches

Subtly shifting with the wind.

Cracked, aged bark

Reflecting the lines on my fingertips.

Leaves now painted deep hues of crimson,

Copper,

Gold,

By the tender brush of time.

Floating, fluttering,

Falling to the ground,

A gentle goodnight to sweet summertime.

If I sit beneath the shade of his ever-changing canopy,

If I press my ear upon his trunk, would I hear his tender heartbeat?

If I look, would I find a forlorn face?

If I lean lightly on his roots, would he wrap me in his ancient embrace?

My oak tree.

Standing tall in the front yard of my childhood home.

Oh, what stories his aged, wise mind must hold.

I’ve watched him through that small window all the seasons through.

I’ve seen the many faces he wears.

Those soft sunlit smiles,

That slow, peaceful

Descent into dreams.

And yet,

He comes back even brighter and stronger.

If I take a page from his book,

If I turn a new leaf,

Perhaps I would wear the changing colors of life so well.

Perhaps I too would dig deeper into the beauty of quiet things.

TAYLOR BLAYSE

Taylor Blayse is an author, writer, and teacher. She has been sharing her writing on her blog since she was fifteen. Taylor writes about growth, hope, and childlike faith. When she isn’t writing, she spends time reading, connecting with friends, gardening, wandering around bookstores, and enjoying the outdoors.

You can connect with Taylor on Instagram and Substack: @taylorblayse.