Dying into Redwoods

by Tai Sheridan

I often lean against a redwood tree
and die into the bark
my spine rising
into the blue of sky

My legs become roots
journeying down
into unseen waters
my breath slows softens
my eyes open in wonder
great cumulous clouds
dance over the mountain peak

Soon I’ll return
to kids, computers, stress and modern plagues
but for this moment I choose
to let what I conveniently call myself die
and I dwell in the house of relaxation and peace
where you and I are inextricably entwined
in the living and dying of all things