do trees grieve

do they silently shed a tear,

a small drop of fluid

expressed at the tip

of a leaf

to be drunk by a

passing bee,

unaware of the

tree's grief

do they close up

their stomata, and

hold their breath

at the first sign 

of smoke,

a harbinger

of death

do they mourn

the death of their

fellow trees after

a fire

reaching down into

the mycleium

unable to reach

another tree,

radio silence

do they wish 

for another life,

a life in which

they could pull up their

roots, and move

start over

are trees ever lonely

do they miss their leaves

and what of their seeds,

scattered to the wind

their children and

grandchildren

unknown to them

do trees miss

their fallen limbs,

unspoken promises,

their connections

with others

when they lose their footing

when their connections

are lost

do they grieve