Manifesto

I wish I was a tree!

I wish I could spend
my days standing absolutely
still
and silent
Among all my thoughtful
Tree friends.

I want to be beautiful
in the spring
and summer, blossoming as
a human girl never
could.

Oh, to spend hundreds
of years just
standing tall
proud and wise and green
And giving
shelter
to all the squirrels and birds
and kittens.