Within the Trees

The trees are our guardians
our protectors against thirst and famine.
Within their branches are our homes
our fields and families.

​We never have to worry about fresh water here.
The trees collect the rain for us.
Their branches reach out like fingers
attached to palms of leaves,
and the drops drip down the ridged bark
to collect amidst the roots in streams.

We never have to worry about crops here.
The trees are heavy laden
with luscious fruit
and creatures to hunt.
Here, we never go to sleep
with an empty belly.

Where else would we want to stay
other than within the steady embrace
of the trees?