In Praise of Trees
After Carlos Santos Perez
Praise Song for Oceania
Let us praise your growth from acorn
and maple seed. From such small beginnings
you emerge to reach
for the cerulean sky.
Let us praise your awakening
in spring with new leaves that turn
sun’s energy into life. And
ruby and gold leaves in the fall.
Finally sleeping with naked branches
come winter.
Let us praise you as you host
the squirrel’s leafy home, cupped nest
of the blue jay. Let your bark hold insects
for the red-bellied woodpecker,
white breasted nuthatch.
Let us be thankful for the shade
you give in the summer, the moon shadows
on winter’s snow. Let us thank you for the lumber
to build our homes
and to heat them.
Let us watch you toss
your head in the storm’s wind
but stay strong.
Please do not fall
on the house or car.
Let us plant you on the burned slopes
of California to hold the soil,
absorb the carbon
we pour into your world.
Remington Review
Fall 2026
