Ars Poetica

The first thing you need to know about

planting a tree is that

it takes time.

Keep that in mind, or you will

quickly lose heart

and abandon the seed.

Secondly, do not rush

and forget to take care deciding

what kind of tree you want.

Think about the trees of your childhood

trees that bent in the harsh winds of storms

trees that budded and bloomed in spring

trees that held you in their arms.

After carefully thinking about those trees,

choose the tree you want.

The third thing to remember is that

you need to pay particular

attention to where you

plant your tree.

If you plant it too close to your house

there will be no room

and you will have to cut it down

just when it starts to grow.

If you plant it too far away

you will not be able to tend it

or watch it grow

or sit in its branches.

Another thing to remember is

that you should prune your tree.

Without pruning, your tree may die

and others will not be able to enjoy it,

and you will regret neglecting your tree.

Above all, remember that

planting

tending

and

growing

your tree

is something that only you can do.

No one else has the same exact

touch as you have.