~ Mariah Fox ~

Twisted Willow


From sturdy stock
brought to its knees
a twisted willow grows

suckling from the teat of sorrow
nourished by ancestral humus
so much lost to rich decay

seeks light amidst forest shadows
strives for vertical alignment
dodging imaginary blows
incurring slight subluxation
cerebral scoliosis

boughs reach
branches learn to bend
so as not to break
nor be broken once again

graciously engages in the dance
while enduring
season after season
rise of sap, fall of leaves

each regeneration
cascades like a fountain of tears
crinolines whispering stories
tasting the breath of breeze

roots taught to hold ground
by winds of change
seek sustenance
yearning to intertwine
reach deep and wide the girth
of Mother Earth

overcoming fragility
now takes a mighty stance
offers shelter
reprieve from call
of midday light

peel away bark exposing core
make my mark
on scattered leaves of parchment
my testament
history told by my own hand
know that as you read these leaves
you may not understand.


Copyright 2003 Mariah Fox


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