The tree seems hard, bark and all,
in comparison to a human body,
but if the tree is alive, it is warm
and soft in comparison to a dead
tree or a dead human. Living trees
are huggable, living humans are
huggable. Dead trees are good for
lumber and hard, beautiful bowls
on countertops. Dead humans
make ashes placed in beautiful,
shiny, hardwood bowls on fire-
place mantels.