I saw the most peculiar thing while walking
through a snow-crusted wood –
in the middle of the quiet forest
was a lone tree,
a perfect circle of white fluff surrounding it
with all the other trees standing together.
It stood alone
as if it was quarantined.
Its branches extended toward its woodland
brothers
as if they were long lost friends
who were tragically separated
and may never bridge that gap again.
Somehow, over many years
no seeds were planted
no accidental growth of life
came anywhere near this tree.
I walked toward the tree
drawn to it like a magnet,
a strong desire to remove its loneliness
and understand its story.
But I already know this tree:
some people are born lonely
some trees are planted alone
and we both needed a hug.
So I wrapped my arms around the tree
and melted into it
having found a kindred spirit
in the kindling wood of a lone tree