The presence of trees has always brought me peace and solace, especially in times of distress. Perhaps for this reason, the prominent people in my life often end up associated with a particular tree. My brother became associated with the poplar tree the day he was taken by ambulance to the emergency room and I was told he was going to die. Because of Covid regulations visiting was restricted, and like so many other family members during the pandemic all I could do was wait, hope, and try to reach some state of acceptance. Meanwhile, around my house, the poplar trees swished in the wind, and sometimes in their whispering I could hear my brother’s voice. Their leaves still clung to the branches, but Fall was coming, and - like my brother - they were in transition. 

I started this composition on the day my brother went into the hospital, and composed every day after that. Months and months went by and measure by measure his transition became more like a transformation. Fall came, and then winter, and yet he somehow endured. Spring is here now, and so is my brother. The leaves of the poplar trees are green again, reminding me of the possibility of renewal.