Max Michelson

O BROTHER tree! O brother tree! Tell to me, thy brother,

The secret of thy life,

The wonder of thy being.

My brother tree, my brother tree,

My heart is open to thee—

Reveal me all thy secrets.

Beloved tree, beloved tree,

I have shattered all my pride.

I love thee, brother, as myself.

Oh, explain to me thy wonders.

Beloved one, adored one,

I will not babble of it among fools—

I will tell it only to the unspoiled:

Reveal to me thy being.

I have watched thy leaves in sunshine,

I have heard them in the storm.

My heart drank a droplet of thy holy joy and wonder,

One drop from the ocean of thy wonder.

I am thy humble brother—I am thine own.

Reveal thy life to me,

Reveal thy calm joy to me,

Reveal to me thy serene knowledge.