Above:  Part of the Second Draft of the Poem

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A tree in Americus woods grows upward

then back to the ground, forming an arch

of wood and bark unbroken–not severed–

through which one might even march.

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Why did the tree grow this way?

It is a good question, I propose.

Pondering such things, I do say,

regarding how Mother Nature goes,

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is a helpful spiritual exercise,

for to look around and pay attention–

really to open one’s eyes–

is to notice what God has done.

KENNETH RANDOLPH TAYLOR

NOVEMBER 29, 2013 COMMON ERA