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Solace Among Oaks

by Sylvie Leotin

I felt the oaks' embrace,
The gentle acceptance
Of their long branches,
Brush over me tenderly
And whisper in my ears,
You are safe here
You belong here.
And my body relaxed
And my fears surrendered,
I felt held in kindness.

Was I an oak in a previous life?
I feel a kindred connection
With their twisted branches
And amputated limbs,
Scars of past hardships
Of a life that knows suffering
And has grown past it.

I find solace among the oaks
I feel my sorrows echo theirs.
The harsh winds of illness
Have blown my life apart.
Yet, spring will come,
And green buds will appear
Defiant, determined.

I find solace among the oaks
I feel my pain has found a mate.
I can open my heart to them
And know it will be safe.
They will listen to my distress
With unremitting kindness
And whisper back tenderly
That, I too, can grow past this.

Sylvie is a breast cancer survivor, writer, consultant, and polymath. She writes a candid blog where she shares reflections on her cancer journey, and life beyond cancer. Through her writings, Sylvie invites readers to co-explore the pains, joys and mysteries of living this human life. You can follow her blog at www.sylvieleotin.com.