Living in the Shadow of a Volcano

by Rachel Watts

Living in the shadow of a volcano
Will it erupt and explode?
Do I plant a tree on its slopes, knowing that its life may be cut short?
But it might have time to grow, time to flower and bear fruit

I could wait for the signs to be right, then plant a tree
But what signs am I waiting for?
Nothing is certain, the future not promised
Waiting for the perfect time doesn’t help the tree to grow or bear fruit

I should plant the tree anyway
The volcano could stay dormant
Even if the volcano does erupt, there may still be time for the tree to bear fruit
I could commit to a future even if it’s uncertain

I will plant that tree.