The Piney Woods

Mary Fogel

June 7, 2026

There are Tree Men here

who know all about 

the nature and nurture

of pines

To me

they remain

as mysteries 

swaying up there

in winds I cannot see

or feel

so far below

the dance

On a clear day they 

bob

the long straight trunk

winnowing at the top

with a whisper

of hello

until the wind 

whips up

The gentle tease

is over now

but giant living organisms

heaving to and fro

and oh my god

I remember the sound

when one hit the ground

and splintered

 into pieces

A sonic echo reaching into

our bed

saying awaken now

the sky is falling

while the Tree Men assure us

their bottoms are filled

with water

so only the top will topple

maybe

if you’re very very

lucky

I’m learning to make friends

with 

giant neighbors 

holding some

serious

gravitas

I pray for their root balls

to hold on tight

that the sway will

be contagious

allowing me to move

with the wind

Mary Fogel is a poet and late-blooming adventurer.  She retired from the counseling field and child advocacy in 2018.  In 2023, she faced the loss of her husband of 18 years and of her best friend.  Although she had been writing poetry for 20 years, her focus on writing became central to her recovery.  Mary has been fortunate to fall in love again, find a writing group,  and begin a new life in 2025 that involves a great deal of joy and gratitude.