Tree Planting in San Jacinto

By Caoimhe Farrell

The inspiration for this poem was a visit to San Jacinto, Chimaltenango, where our group had the opportunity to help plant trees surrounding a football field. Young boys ran around with machetes to dig holes for our trees, but amidst the chaos, I found the work to be centering. I admired the natural beauty in the trees, but found intrigue in that which lies beneath what is initially visible.

Tree Planting Poem

Sand beneath souls
sun glistening on skin
nestled beneath the soil
a story lies within

Branches face adversity
leaves resist the rain
but where roots are buried
lies culture, beauty, and pain

Flowers abundant with colour
budding seeds persist
whispers from the wind
a nation having to resist

The beauty of the surface
cannot be appreciated
without listening to the seed
And the context it was created

So love the tree
and hear the story of its roots
but respect the soil it comes from
before indulging in its fruits

Thanks to Metas para Jóvenes, Fundamarcos, EPIC (Ecumenical Project for International Cooperation), and an anonymous donor to Goshen College for their collaborative efforts in making this tree planting with young soccer players in San Jacinto possible.