[78] Stand Tall

As the tree in the wilderness, so I stand

strong limbs outstretched with crinkling bark

I breathe, I crack, I return

I grow deep and wide, below and above,

narrow and alone, full and together

I green, I brown, I stand tall on soft ground

I step aside to give voice, I step in to share space

My story is mine, my story is others

Tell more, say less

Known and unknown, weak and strong

I live with wild heart, and the yearning for home

I live as I die—in the paradox of it all.