Makawao Forest by Marguerite G. Bouvard

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.