Every Plant Has Its Angel

Every plant has its angel,
The Ba’al Shem Tov taught,
G-d assigned an angel to 
Smack it up to grow; although
I’d like rather a gentle
Stroke.  

Every plant has its angel
Hovering around to coax it
To blossom, to bud, to seed
To build up verdant grace and 
Join its voice to the angelic
Choir. 

So the Master of the Good Name
Taught, and thus let our plucking
Of leaves and breaking of branches
Be undertaken with consideration
Of the angelic presence attending its
Charge. 

And when I recall that teaching
Walking on my way, sitting down
And rising up, perhaps I might imagine
Above each blade of grass, the messenger
Which was assigned and dispatched 
Each to each by the Divine
One.  

Happy Tu B’Shevat -- The Talmudic Birthday of Trees