Phyllis Graham wrote “Tree Wisdom” on March 31, a few days after the March 26 tornado hit Coweta County. As co-owner of Let Them Eat Toffee in downtown Newnan, she supports the Arts, the community and local businesses. When she and her husband, Kerry, first moved to Newnan, they lived in one of the neighborhoods severely impacted by the storm. Raised in Oregon, Phyllis has a passion for trees and is an advocate for the environment.

Tree Wisdom

By Phyllis Graham

The wind, the might-
The buffering by living trees-
Putting out their branches to protect
Life and Limb.

Some, though, limbs attached to trunks,
Crashed through roofs, upended sidewalks,
Smashed cars.

Miracles abound, though, as we take in the
Tornado tortured terrain-
But all those thousands of wise old trees- gone-
Leaves me breathless,
Birds homeless,
An ache in every cell.

We have lost a profound sense of place,
A connection to the lifeline-

Please Oh Great and Wondrous spirit,
Divine Love-
Bless us, our community,
As we pick up our soggy sails,
And push forward,
Immersed in the sea of life.