I Used to Think Unfailingly of Charles When I Passed that Tree
Modern poetry modern verse contemporary poetry contemporary verse modern poem contemporary poem
I pass the giant redwood limbs each day
Still. Something’s altered. It is not the tree.
It’s more I don’t react to it. No sway
Disturbs its dignity. A change in me
Has made me stop remembering. Each limb
Droops down as if it has not failed to dwell
On him, the man who died. I thought of him
Each time I’d passed. I feel that I’m unwell,
Or otherwise my heart would always turn
To him. I’d look and so I’d see the dark
Hulk louring high. It sends a message, stern,
Condemning me. I’m hardened like its bark.
..In five years’ time I’ve turned away from love.
….The tree is better. It remains above.