“Go easy, be filled with light, and shine,” called out Mary Oliver’s favorite trees as she walked among them. I agree with Mary about the willows and pines but would have to say dogwoods and Japanese maples also hum with this Divine energy. Trees with winking leaves, electric shimmering, and gently raising their arms in blessing. What types of trees call out to you?
When I am among the trees,
especially the willows and the honey locust,
equally the beech, the oaks and the pines,
they give off such hints of gladness.
I would almost say that they save me, and daily.
I am so distant from the hope of myself,
in which I have goodness, and discernment,
and never hurry through the world
but walk slowly, and bow often.
Around me the trees stir in their leaves
and call out, “Stay awhile.”
The light flows from their branches.
And they call again, “It’s simple,” they say,
“and you too have come
into the world to do this, to go easy, to be filled
with light, and to shine.”