The Singing Tree

The sun just rising on the horizon 
infuses the schoolyard in light,
earth tones, amber and umber, under feet-
bright greens of blade and leaf
stand in stark contrast

I pause mid-stride
as I overhear the tinkling voice of bells
dancing in midair

I gaze up into the canopy,
amid the millions of seeds ready to fall-
flitting from branch to branch
I see hundreds of moving bells
filling the air with syncopated rhythms-
like a carnival calliope

High trills, low chirrups, 
and constant chip, chirp, chiroo
flashing color - yellow, green and blue
dangling ornaments hang in uneven rows

moving about, 
as if swatted by a playful kitten,
into clumps of jeweled sound

at times the entire collection lifts off 
swirls as snow and lightly settles back in place
I lift with them to heights brand new
my burdens carry on a song- never to return

My step more peaceful, 
my heart fills with joy
the sun, song and serenity stay
this morning I heard the tree sing