The tree is small this year

The tree is small this year--

the bottom boughs too short to cover

the sturdy stand which used to hold much grander trees.
Near the boughs

I sit on the floor, stretch out my arm

and strain to put my hand down into the stand to see if it needs refilling.

Only touching air

I pour clear water down into the dark space

until the water’s rising surface touches my silently waiting fingertips .

And for this simple act

I am blessed for hours with a hand perfumed with the scent of pine

from a tree, cut down and far from home, standing in a stand made for grander trees.