April is National Poetry Month in Canada, and we turned to poet Jill Umbach—known for her dedication to connection and community—for a reflection on standing together.

She delivered something powerful. Something that speaks to all of us, weathering personal storms.
Read her moving words below—and remember, you don’t have to stand alone. 🌳

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4 April 2025
Snowstorms, ice storms and thunderstorms
have crushed us
with their intensity
and length of onslaught.

Walking through the woods
this morning
cedar trees are splintered across the trail
muddy water fill the pathways
but the amazing resiliency
of trees and the marshland
prevails.

I can still get through
to my destination
because of the stepping stones
laid on the pathway
and there is evidence
of people before me
who have dragged limbs away
to clear it.

Though trees have fallen
there are more trees
standing than fallen
there are more trees
that have bent with the wind
and didn’t break.

The forest feels
like it has collectively
survived
standing together
holding each other up.

Like the silver birch
that sways but won’t snap
the weight of many winters
has exhausted me
and while I have struggled
as a single Mother
in raising my family
I have learned that there are people
I consider my trees and rocks
that stand with me
and allow me to lean on them.

Economic storms are upon us
reach up and out
seek supports
lean on them
if only to express your fatigue
and your fears
But don’t stand alone –
stand with us
as the forest does.

— Jill Umbach