When the shrubs ceased their dance,
the smallest one
peered into the night sky
and wondered aloud,
“Why do the trees have constellations
but we do not?”
The wisest of their number rustled,
“It is because they are tall enough
to rearrange the stars in their own image
while we must be content to divert
the streams and send bits of ourselves
to countries far away.
The trees will always wonder if
the patterns they have arranged are true.
They must grow many limbs
to support the burden of their conceit,
and grow many rings
to support the burden of their limbs.”
The tiny shrub seemed to understand,
tightening its roots,
pulling itself closer to the ground.