TREE AT GUADALUPE CHURCH, SANTA FÉ

TREE AT GUADALUPE CHURCH, SANTA FÉ

The tree of heaven, ailanthus, grows like weed;

is weed.  It crowds out better trees

of more distinguished family, sheds its seed

in city yards; runs wild and does not please

tree fanciers; pleases itself; takes root;

survives wherever it finds a square of free

earth; scorns nowhere; fears nothing; thrives on soot.

Where the seed falls it turns into a tree.

Grows here beside her church who chased away

the serpent; Rooted in sandy soil, it burns

bright panicles of flame against pure day-

light; soars up into the blue; turns

eyes toward heaven, turns eyes toward her who came

among the crags: a tree of heaven all flame.

Sister Maris Stella CSJ

Commonweal.  20 March 1959

Used with permission