Tree

A single tree's pale fingers
stretch towards the light
I am with them
Leaves pierce and flourish
I grow for a time
But when buds begin to pinprick
my arms turn inward
The flowers spring forth and bear fruit
I shrivel and my eyes flash
My mouth begins to speak
and blackness pours out
My inner tree lies dormant
until the cycle begins again

Mother

You are far from me
the pain is sharp
it cuts me
in the blue-dark of morning
I can't sleep
Where is my mother?
My soul mate
the one who sees
does she hear me now?
Barely lucid
I whisper half-forgotten lullabies
Let the winds take this
and bring it to your ear
Feel me

I am far from you
the pain is sharp
it cuts you
in the blue-dark of morning
You are restless
Where is your daughter?
Within your soul
I see you
I always hear you
Inside your dreams
I hear all of them:
your half-sung lullabies
Every wind brings you --
your voice into my ear
Always, I feel you