Planted in Solitude

     My roots burrow deep into the dirt and soak up the groundwater. My bark is jagged and rough, covering the entire surface of my trunk. My leaves are a blazing orange, with points along its silhouette. The wind weaves through my branches and makes them sway. Birds nestle in the shelter of my leaves while squirrels hide in the holes in my bark. The worms push through the dirt and navigate my tangle of roots while the bugs burrow under my skin. I sit on the top of a hill, away from the other trees. Their limbs and leaves all intertwine, filling up the forest sky. Their roots lace together and become one. I watch the other trees embrace while I stay planted by myself. At least I’ve got the bugs and the birds and the squirrels and the worms, for company.