as I drive around the bend in the road
I notice the majestic tree ahead on the right
the trunk is so tall and straight
branches spreading evenly out from the center
as they reach for the sun
in a glorious eruption of green
I smile at its beauty

I turn my car down the next street
and notice another tree to my left
awkwardly leaning to one side
branches jutting out in strange curves
trying to grow upward toward the light
in an ungraceful attempt at symmetry
I feel sad for its struggle

the second tree was cut by us
limbs hacked off to make room for the power lines
to hang between the poles

trees do not have a choice in where they are planted
the soil may welcome them with water and nutrients
the roots will begin to grasp hold of the earth
long before a small shoot emerges from the ground
searching for the light

trees will grow taller 
if they receive sunlight and rain
the lucky ones will flourish
because the soil they were planted in was rich
and the area around it unencumbered and free
allowing them to reach for the sky

I reach my destination
turn off the ignition and continue to ponder
the two trees

I realize I was wrong to compare them
the first tree is beautiful and strong
but the second is stronger
it was wounded and suffered
but it still grew powerfully toward the sun
even if it is bent and twisted
it will glow in the autumn with bright orange leaves
it will shine in the spring with stunning blooms
and in the summer it will comfort me as I drive by

nothing can compare to that beauty