Listen for the steady calling
Arbor pulsing silent shrine,
Pulling up the pain of falling
With the death of dirt design;
Dressed of rooted forms reforming
Into drapes of vital green,
Where the Earth in nonconforming
But as natured always been.

Find the tallest, brightest servant
With the weathered case of God,
Close upon this tree observant
(Mindful of the space here trod);
Climb unto as high as able
Reaching to the breaking air,
Take a place whereat the table
Heaven makes the shelter there.

Reaching further to the arches
Feathered with the richest leaf,
Focus like in forward marches
Settled on to tackle grief;
Take the prize that offered sorrow
Through the much corrupted years,
Turning strength with bright tomorrow
In the midst of graceful tears.

Hold the leaf inspecting Heaven,
Translate all the works divine,
Enter home and clear the leaven —
All the sky become as wine;
Finding life among the living,
Taste the leaf devoid of strife;
Christ is sensed still ever giving
Where and when is newer life!