The longevity of roots

Follow the path that the Lord your God  has
commanded you, that you may live long in
the land you possess. Deut. 5:33

In Mendocino County we stopped for
a wine-tasting. The hills were radiant with
light and fruit. We bought a dry white and
after lunch at the vineyard cafe
we walked the rows of vines held up
on their supports like old men on crutches.

Business was light that day. Want to see
something crazy? the owner asked. We clambered
down to a cave a hundred feet under the slope,
and felt in the earthy dark a tangle of fibers.
A flashlight gleamed, and the beards
of the ancients lit up like live wires.

Luci Shaw