It is foolish
to let a young redwood      
grow next to a house.

Even in this      
one lifetime,
you will have to choose.

That great calm being,
this clutter of soup pots and books—

Already the first branch-tips brush at the window.      
Softly, calmly, immensity taps at your life.


GIVEN SUGAR, GIVEN SALT (HarperCollins, 2001)