I run my hand over the carved trunk of a beech tree
my palm upon initials within a jagged heart
I assume a young lover who meant well
who wanted to proclaim his love
who wanted it to last at least scarred in this forest
for all to see from this trail
I explain to the tree, the forest, the earth that sustains them
that humans can’t help themselves
we were taught to subdue the earth so some of us take it to extremes
I apologize
quiet overtakes the woods, the wind, the birds even the insects
for a moment stillness a silent reply
Jonathan K. Rice edited Iodine Poetry Journal for seventeen years. He is the author of two full-length poetry collections, Killing Time (2015), Ukulele and Other Poems (2006) and a chapbook, Shooting Pool with a Cellist (2003), all published by Main Street Rag Publishing. His work has appeared in numerous journals.