Artistic Design: Art by my daughter Megan Tarallo Staples

The Birch Tree By William Crouch (my brother)

Life is filled with magic
and, also, with illusion,
in one moment clarity,
in the next, confusion.

When we think we're in control
life sends a new surprise
that catches us unaware
and shows us otherwise.

The birch tree offers free advice
for everyone to take,
it shows how to be flexible
and bend, so not to break.

And, so, the birch in springtime,
once ice has set it free,
will slowly stand up straight and tall
the way it used to be.

To see the birch in summer,
on one would ever know,
how it was bent and buried
beneath the winter snow.

from Driftwood and Sand, Poems by William Crouch
can be purchased at www.publishamerica.com

Also see Lance Crouch's work (another brother) at:
http://srvartstudio.blogspot.com/