Stasis

By Ron Hickerson

Lately, I have been haunted by success—

Ideas and expectations of what it

Looks like and where it comes from. Is success

Some white stag waiting for me to chase it? But

That chase is circular and only leads

To the beginning of my woes - square one.

Instead, I find the oldest tree I can.

The psalmist sings the righteous are like trees

Planted by still waters. What could be more

Successful? And yet it made no career

Choice other than to root. Establishing

Itself as part of its place - not just an

Occupant, but a participant paid

In water and nutrients by how deep

It enmeshes itself within the land.

Its vocation is simply to remain.

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Ron Hickerson works in higher education where he helps students navigate the murky waters of academia. When he's not at his desk, you can find him wandering around campus, searching for the oldest trees. His work has previously appeared in The Clayjar Review and Foreshadow. Find him on Instagram @mikeron0_25.