The
Tree of
Life

With one hand up,
I touched the first branch
and began my ascent to Heaven,
only stopping to examine the height
I’d reached and how high left the climb.

Up here I am safe, alone from the ordinary world
of simple church-mice who can only fight for scraps
of the knowledge that I let fall. Up here
I am at peace; no one can bother me
with their pleas for mercy.

It is here I discovered
within myself what I had
long sought:
my soul.

Stepping down
from my place
in the sky,
I spoke to one who would be my equal,
but in fear
he turned
and fled;
so I returned
to my ascent,
letting angels
soothe my spirit.