Treebound

When you are done with wizardry,

when each breath wearies you:

choose your ground;

consider the ways of water,

of root, branch, bark.

After bending the world to your will,

after waging war for kings:

choose your final form;

willow, or oak, or larch;

shape the spell.

After knowledge, wisdom;

after language, quiet:

rain, wind, dirt;

an intrusion of beetles;

the unlearning of your name.