Touching the bark of
An ancient redwood
I feel its skin
warm, alive, rough  

Placing my head against it
I smell its essence
Musky, damp, delightful  

Reaching my arms around it
I realize how small I am
How great it is  

Hugging it tightly
I hear its breath and
The breath of other trees  

Leaning my whole body in
My lungs fill and empty
Breathing with the forest