Makawao Forest
The roots are a calligraphy
throughout the forest floor, holding
it together, reminding us of history,
that we do not only live
in the moment or think of the past
as a series of wars, for there are patterns
of weather; trade winds, periods
of drought or downpours, reminding us
that they were here eons before us
how they compose a community,
with tender new shoots sprouting near
them, generations that need
each other, like the memories that guide
us through our lives. I think
of my Italian cousin, Maria Teresa,
and the fruit trees she planted,
how she opens the door so they can
hear the music flowing from her house
because she understands their response
and how we are intertwined.
Marguerite G. Bouvard
Marguerite Guzman Bouvard is the author of 10 poetry books, two of which have won awards, including the MassBook Poetry Award. Her work has been widely published. She has also written many non-fiction books.