Always Together

2019

Two leaves remain on a dying tree,

one dreams of sunlight -

the other,

the sea.

With a whisper of wind, they would part ways forever.

Yet, bound to the branches of this moribund stump -

they flit

and they falter,

but always together.

Unable to commit to the final jump.

 

A father, the shepherd

in anticipation of dawn.

In the silence of morning,

like a hunted Jew - 

glides down the staircase and stifles a yawn,

out the door -

adieu,

adieu…

 

At once a gale is summoned,
and the leaves are tossed from the tree.

Yet no sunlight reaches the dead roots below,

No water to run to the sea.

 

The child awakens with fever,

the mother cries out for the father.

The leaves,

once more,

are together.

Regardless of what they would rather.