In the middle of the forest
Where the big rock comes to rest
stood a massive redwood tree
With a vastness that would make a T-rex flee
High up in its branches
all the ravens and crows lived.
and at the base,
only the the worms could survive.

One arid autumn day
a fire sprang up
from the base of the roots to the top of the tree.
The fire showed no mercy
and burnt the redwood ent to the ground.
Where ravens and crows used to congregate
had been burnt to ground.
The roots had disappeared
leaving only worms behind.

All around the forest many other trees were burnt
but from the ashes, a new life was sprung.
First the fireweed
then the grass.
Soon saplings formed from the fertile ash
attracting songbirds and small goldfinches
and the worms still squirmed
to rejuvenate the dirt.

Even to this day when you go beyond the big rock
you can still see the ashes of the tree
but instead of one tree there are many
and at night when the moon is full
you can still hear the crows and ravens
crying in despair.