Trees are gonna fall.
We cannot save them all.

Or if not the trees,
then branches and limbs
down to the tiniest twigs–
even those will be too much.

They’ll say that the trees
are growing too close to the home,
that preventative removal is better
than when the bough breaks.
Their temperatures won’t cease to plummet.

Doesn’t mean we don’t try to save what is falling,
offering shelter and aid to those losing power.
Doesn’t mean we can’t put ourselves out front–
daring them to cut us down first.

Just be careful not to set any fires.
Fire enrages, and it does no good
if it starts blowing back against us.

Even if you’re far away, maintain
cooled heads in civil discussions
with opponents in your spheres.
You may not turn many–
may not turn any–
but the real ones will see what you,
what we are all about.

And difficult as it is, remember
trees are gonna fall.
We cannot save them all.
Say a prayer for them,
or whatever your equivalent is,
then rise up for the next ones
still fighting to outlast the storm,
standing tall for everyone

from the loftiest sequoia
to the lowliest dogwood.