"Bend Like Birches" & "What is it - If Not?

"Bend Like Birches"

Could we be like trees that bend and

Sprout leaves from limbs lost

In time creating another

And stretch

And grow

Into the stars before our return

To add to

By being part of

Connected, though

All they see and know is above

While all we see and know

Grows from what is hidden.

***

"What is It, If Not?"

What is it

If not greatness

To be standing

On the edge of a precipice

And jump

Back

Onto solid ground

Feeling the rock under your palms

And stare

Into the void

Of dark sea

The waves crash echoing

Up the hollows of the cliff

Into the hollows of your ears

And realize

This ground is made of the same things

You are made of

What is it

If not greatness

To choose to live.