A map of the world contained in a leaf, structures of democracies and dictatorships, declining governments and birthing nations. The world’s backbone reaches up and out; tiny tendrils of hope and life dissipate from it. The root of all life breathes in and out. We tore down trees whose scale and care were shopworn; reforestation is imminent. Maybe this country’s needs can be seen in this leaf, this tree, its roots; it’s time to plant again, in the fall, in the coming darkness, so that when light returns in spring, our house, our country can begin anew.
Tom Schabarum | Writer 
but like the leaf,
the eventual demise of democracy
and dictatorship
cannot be denied
Yes. and thank you.