Yes    yes     yes     and yes!

The older the manzanita gets   the more beautiful
As years pass it becomes more fascinating
We can scarcely keep our fingers off
As its silky skin like mahogany or dried blood
Becomes shaggy with papery excrescences
curled and rolled
Branches explode in number like fireworks
Exhibitionist! A flagrant show for all onlookers
Of mesmerizing riches intrinsic to the ancient

One such immense and gnarly mountain shrub
Attracted a whole family of cougars
Who scratched their initials on her trunks
Till she gave it up and died from their ardor
They loved her to death we might say
Leaving tufts of yellow fur along her flanks
After a dozen years she stands today

Her countless arms reaching out in death
To dispense an all-inclusive invitation
And gather admiration of Everything and Everyone
She so well deserves