To plant a tree is

an act of faith in the earth

An act of hope for the future

An act of humanity towards

coming generations

Who will enjoy its fruits

After we shall be gone

L. Mercier

I would ask all readers to add to this post and to Haiku and  Garden Poetry.

(c)  2003 illustration by  Jean Withrow, edited by Herb Senft

A Requiem for a Hummingbird

So tiny
This precious fragment of our Universe.

So innocent
And eager to savor Life.
Non-judgmental.

But forgiving of any obstacle
That might perchance
block its way.

'Twas perhaps its first visit
To an early bloom --
And that was its fate.

The brambles of an untended vine
Caught its fragile wings
Still shimmering in gossamer green
And poised as though
I n glorious flight.

'Twas now enmeshed
In insect webs,
Spent thorns and brambles.

Stilled forever in its earthly ventures --
May the Great Spirit
Who notes every sparrow
In its fall
Be merciful to this tiny
spirit-soul.

And welcome it to
His joyful kingdom.

By Lee Thoma Ostlund (c) 1993