Once again, back in full splendor
No sign of resentment, nor anger
for the pain when I trimmed it
Sharp Blades, slicing through

How can it not, I wonder?
Is it because I can’t hear?
People cry in silence
Pain visible, yet unseen

Does it remember the ritual?
Must be, since it doesn’t resist
I wonder, does it hate me?
How would it tell me if it does?

As I come near it
It must see the loppers
Must have twitched
I must not have noticed

Or maybe I don’t know
its way of communicating
Just like us humans
We say more with silence

And see more with
Eyes closed tight
Hear the silence
Touch without touching

Does it know, for renewed vigor
it must endure the pain
Mirrors human life
no pain, no gain!

Now that it is awake
Willing to endure the act
Even welcoming
Knows it is for the good

Patiently waits
For the new blooms
Slowly and eagerly
It will be quite a display.