Under a forest canopy, the cinquefoil
and the wild rose bask in each other’s glow.
Accustomed to each other’s society,
they lean in on each other,
build each other up.
Transplant one,
and it will not thrive.
So many elements draw
from the same soil,
the leafmeal of each plant
alternately enriching the soil.
Does the ponderosa anticipate
the ruby-throated trout
swimming the silver creek?
Remove any element and its absence is tangible.

Even the child knows this
as he counts
the 64 heads
of the Crayolas
in the gold and green box.