How much tree does there have to be
for the tree to still be called a tree?
Lose a leaf a branch a limb or
crack at the base and whisper timber,
shout out loud as it falls to the ground,
whether or not anyone is around.
How much tree does there need to be
for the tree to still be called a tree?
How much tree
is Tree?
How much tree does a tree have to be
for it to still be called a tree?
Lop off every bit and part of it,
but where exactly is the soul and heart of it?
The roots are still there underground
whether or not the trunk is around.
How much tree do we have to see
before we stop calling it a tree?
How much tree is Tree?
How much me does there have to be
for me to still be known as me?
Lose a kidney, gallbladder, lung or breasts,
An arm a leg, a uterus,
Sight, speech, movement, memory…
If I lose it all am I still me?
How much me does there need to be
for me to still be known as me?
How much me
is Me?
How much tree is Tree?
Skip to My Lou, My Dharma 
We think imagination and /or consideration influence our perception
If you don’t know the roots are there, or can’t imagine them, and not much tree is visible, you might not recognize the tree
When our dad was dying, he was drugged. We couldn’t find him. But before they made him “comfortable,” when he was unconscious and barely responsive, we noticed he appeared to feel pain. We could imagine him still, felt compassion for his humanity, tried to comfort and soothe him. The drugged version that we let die, we found it harder to connect with him, though we still tried.
We appreciate pondering this even though we feel pain and mourning.