by its grace,
we celebrate the fervent glory
of this great forest king,
growing tall and lean,
in select company with its green-topped,
ancient redwood neighbors.
Selfish,
they gobble each ray of sustaining sun.
Yet, small flecks of rich gold dust
permeate expressing life
to mushy moss and spidery ferns
that profusely hide below.
Just the precise amount of mist
penetrates through uncounted duff stratum
to saturate this living floor,
and kindly sate this monster's bibulous roots.
Surpassing equivalent neighbors
in this caucus of giants,
is rare for prestige comes easy
where need's assuaged in perfect measure.
Ten miles west,
a different treasure,
sprouts from barren and sterile rock
abruptly perched,
lonely and awkward,
just above the pounding, salty surf.
Harsh elements assault this tree.
Ponder how it still survives,
unhealthy, scraggly fir,
primal cousin to the mighty
and pampered Redwood.
Unsightly twigs,
defrayed of chlorophyl bearing needles,
wave in foggy air.
This hero cypress
does survive its harsh environment.
Alive, but dwarfed,
it's grown but one new branch this century.
This Wonder
did more than was expected, assays first
when change is checked
and its accomplishment measured,
that triumph
gloried and treasured.

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