For One I Remember

I. Pieces

We quested and tested the height of your branches
In full cover you hid us from our seekers
You shielded the sun on frequent mud and mimosa picnics
Shadowy locust husks hung from your limbs
White blossoms flooded our senses in springtime
Fruit so abundant it rotted untouched.

II. News

You died of old age

You were killed by time and wind

The killers, still run free

III. Beginning

they hear you. I can see it in their eyes

when they come tumbling in the house

your echo I smell

with surprise

frantically, I stare deeply within them, yearning

and searching for proof of your return

smiling, I sit beside them.

they teach and I relearn.