Tree Lighting at Fremont Park in the Second Year of the Pandemic

May we ever constellate around each other.

Like a blessing, a season of giving.

May we bear witness to moments that bring

waxwing closer to mistletoe berry,

wintering sparrow to crabapple and bramble.

More of this and each other, of giving thanks for

the evergreen oak, acorn-bearer and emblem

of power. Of honoring the Ohlone

who relied on the oak tree, and ground acorns

into a meal, and gifted each other

their finest flour. As we constellate, may we

find sweetness in what we’ve dried and roasted,

chestnuts, figs. From my hand to yours, and yours

to mine, these grains, like a prayer for winter.