Hiking, we come upon 
an unexpected stump. 
I’ve a hunch it was cut, 
but why would someone saw 
a tree here in the middle 
of the woods? There’s no 
sign of fire or fall. 

It’s Nirvana, you say, as we 
rest from the steep climb. 

The yellow stain shows 
where the sap futilely tried 
to heal its severed limb. 
The intricacies between trees 
where nature attempts 
to soothe itself, failed to 
save this one. 

Ivy grows around the 
stump. Across the valley, 
a grey-blue ridge wears clouds 
balanced atop green heads. 

What dialect do you reckon 
these hills speak? You wonder 
as you put your hands 
on my waist and pull me 
closer. 

There is only the sound of small 
insects humming. 

*After Ivy Covered Tree Stump (1847) by John Phillip (1817–1867):

This artwork (pencil and watercolor on paper) is held by
Aberdeen Archives, Gallery, and Museums in Scotland.

Image downloaded from the public domain via Wikimedia on 5 September 2025:
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Ivy_Covered_Tree_Stump_-_John_Phillip_-_ABDAG014484.45.jpg

Bio: Lynne Kemen