Here as proof is the tree
in pure rock, in the sturdy beauty
forged by a hundred million years.
Agate and carnelian and sparkle
replace sap and wood
until the giant’s trunk
shed its damp rot
and a statue just like it solidified:
the living leaves
fell apart
and when its straightness was toppled,
the forest burned, an igneous dustcloud,
an astral ash wrapped it up
until time and lava awarded it
the prize of transparent stone.