a tree

is a tree

even as a small tree

in a tray

reflecting its own

reality

does it wants to remain

small or spread wide its arms

dig its roots deeper

and grow until

growth becomes

vulgarity

not obsequious

was this Japanese

practice

more than a thousand

years ago

about trees

or to determine

how much people

could be molded

remain small

allow someone else

to decide

how expansive

or limited

they will become

now an art form

we marvel at

these perfectly

small trees

elegant

certainly a contemplation

for both grower and viewer

such patience

ingenuity

maybe

just      control