Madrone

a madrone in a thicket of oaks
bending, arching wooden spine,
twisting, stretching for light
searching for its missing element-
in its photosynthetic life.
she is energy
fuel for growth
beautiful brightness,
consent for stripping bark,
smooth revealing skin
a reason for longevity,
rambling bramble-
never to be trimmed
veins reaching for spherical burning
the tasteful combustion of molten memorabilia
reaching for warmth, growth, and reason
she smolders.