If I touch the leaf
its soul glows like fireflies,
jubilee illuminated
in summertime chartreuse.

If I touch the twig
its fingertips interlace with mine,
gentle hands caressing my skin
woven with time and sunbeams.

If I touch the bark
I hear the stories within.
Fables of love and joy,
and of sorrow to tend to.

If I touch the tree
it’s God who’s there with me.
Not a human, sure
but careful, nonetheless.

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Caroline Abigail Chege is a writer and mixed-media artist based in the DC area. Her creative work is inspired by the beauty that emanates from the small things in life. They are a recent graduate from Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA), where they learned everything from zine illustration to poetry writing. When she’s not making art, Caroline likes to read and snuggle with her chiweenie, Maisie.