A Tree Is A Tree Is A Tree
A POEM ABOUT RACISM
A tree is a tree is a tree —
shielding God’s creatures
from the midday heat.
Gracing us with shade
and then comes a breeze,
rustling through it’s branches
the wind blows through the leaves.
One by one, each serves a purpose
each one has a plan,
ordained by the Creator
at the drawing board of his Hands.
Helping wildlife and humans,
giving each a hand.
Some trees are tall, some trees are short
some flower, while others bear fruit.
Each is blessed with a purpose
from above —
from Eden until now,
their purpose unfurled.
Some trees are graceful
like the Willows by the pond,
others are massive
like Pin Oaks in the yard.
All working together
for life’s greater good,
offering beauty and shelter—
why can’t humans be as good?
Does the Willow criticize the Oak
for not being graceful by a stream?
Or does the White Pine laugh
at the Black Walnut, to be mean?
They each are a blessing
serving people as they need,
while offering food and shelter
to creatures in need.
Working together, they are all unique—
fulfilling God’s plan,
they are all in sync.
Consider the human race —
are we not all unique?
Each race offering blessings
to Earth’s children
and creatures in need.
So why do we shun
against the color of skin?
Do we not all bleed the same
when pricked with a pin?
Do our hearts not all beat
for a set number of years?
Do we not all love our children
wishing them smiles instead of tears?
Why must we judge each other
when we are all
a part of God’s plan?
A part of His creation
since the dawn of man.
Does the Dogwood say to the Cherry Tree…
”What purpose are you?
”What are you doing here?”
”I am the One! that’s true.”
”The One who is most beautiful,
the One with prestige,
the One with the prettiest flowers
beginning each Spring.”
“No!” the Cherry Tree replied, with wisdom in it’s leaves…
”We are both beautiful,
each in our own way,
designed by God, Himself…
with characteristics He made.”
”Instead of citing our differences,
to you dear Dogwood I speak,
let us focus on how we are the same
made by God in peace.”
”Why is there such turmoil
when under the same Sun we see?”
”Why such turmoil
when under the Moon and stars we sleep?”
”Owls reside in our branches
not caring to which species we cleave.”
”During a storm squirrels retreat
in a trunk with their babies,
simply the largest one they seek?”
”Why not work in harmony
being the blessings we were meant to be?”
”Being the beauty God made us,
being ourselves — unique and free.”
The Dogwood said to the Cherry Tree,
Dogwood finally in peace…
”Forgive me for my ways,
I judged you too harshly,
so much alike are we.
Let us both be a shelter
for others day and night,
shielding them from the rays of the Sun
or providing a bed for the night.”
“You be you,
while I be me —
blessing weary travelers
in love and peace.”
A poem about racism and how it steals peace from everyone on Earth,
by Laney Mills.
COPYRIGHT 2025
@laneyswords.substack.com
For some reason Laney. you may think I will think racism we have taken every recesession, a break and got some rest in the last decades, but no!
It’s literally everywhere, in job applications, on the streets in churches, in the market everywhere.
I’ve been a victim multiple times.
I love you for writing this.
Your poem's strength lies in its earnestness and accessibility. It doesn't try to be clever or complex; it just wants to make a straightforward point about human unity, and it does that effectively. The resolution between the two trees feels earned rather than forced, which isn't always easy to pull off in this kind of allegorical piece.
A solid effort that wears its message openly and honestly.