willow (24/3/24)

pussy willow
sharing her glory
before the spring kicks in
to steal her story;
when does the year begin?
it all depends
on where you choose
to sink your roots
to bear your fruits
to parade your truths;
pussy willow
summoning the wind
branching out
and breathing in
a candelabra
beckoning,
leaves to come
leaves to go
ring-around
the heartwood bole;
pussy willow
sinuous
whispered gifts
susurrus;
dancing to a tune
not for you,
inviolate,
while every cutting
finds its feet
to birth another tree,
a life to last
of unseen pasts,
unconcerned
she will return
again and again;
pussy willow
always knows
what’s above
and what’s below,
how to stay
and how to grow
and how to cast
a shadow.

© 2024 robert greig