Oak

My branches are bare

since the confetti of leaves

fell to new beginnings

leaving the last metal taste of autumn in my sap

Another year I've stood solid

weathering the harsh storm

My ancient roots dig deep

ring by ring closer to my ancestors

Wind burnt branches rattle

as acorns crash through

the sharp smell of winter

with a thud on crisp forest floor

Pushing through the darkness into the light

becoming oaklings close by my side

they tell their own story

as seasons come and go

A Broken Man

A love ripped away

Memory takes up space in every room

The doorbell rings

A kernel of hope

His grandson arrives

inside, strikes a match

and he's lifted:

the smell of her tobacco

the taste of smoke and her on his tongue 

Without Drink and Youth

Gone

the loud laughter

the karaoke song

the hasty decisions after midnight

My past self

the rebellious young woman

talking at befuddled strangers

nowhere to be found

Goodbye

drink and youth

I held on to you both

for too long