Gentle Greeting

Blue spruce,

Surprisingly soft to touch,

Greets me upon arrival for a peaceful weekend.

I walk toward the retreat center with a lighter step,

Having reached out to briefly hold a branch’s end.

“I’ve been waiting for you!” it seemed to convey.

Time to return home days later,

Walking past this magnificent tree,

I reach out my hand to caress its gentleness.

“Come back again!”

“I’ll be here.”

Steadfast love and presence,

Evident in soft blue branches.

You teach me, Lord.