Burled World

Burls are the scar tissue

from disease or stress

that makes trees

when killed and cut into wood

stronger.

May the world be just so,

burled,

somehow strengthened by

disease and deformity

as clouds collapse

and the fabric and form

of life gape and distend.

Stunted new growth, disgorged forms

bridging back to life, somehow,

for the children of all species,

all rocks (as well as we gawks).

Thus we pray: the world, burled.

Image Credit: Wikipedia - stebulus, 2006