A tree
without roots
Head and heart heavy
Unbalanced
Clinging to the soil
She cannot
draw from the water
of the generations
that came before
There are no leaves
so the birds can rest from the sun
No blossoms for the bees
Her bare branches lay
stark against the grey sky
A man takes shelter under her sparse canopy
Lovers carve initials in her bark
Soon children come
bringing joy and laughter
tying bright ribbons to each limb until
it looks as if her boughs are in full bloom
Many travel from afar to marvel
at her beauty
how
unique she is
She is loved
She is not alone
But still
Sometimes
She feels like that naked tree
bending in the wind
Fearing
she may fall