Peach Tree

I was so small 

when I pulled the rocks 

from your bed 

to give you room 

at school I boasted 

about your fashion

your exquisite pink petals

radiant in the sun

and when I was scared 

to give gifts, you

taught me with

the sweetest presents.

Every year you grew up

faster than me

as I waited for 

life to happen 

each golden gift

a gesture to move

asking me find

fruitful connection

but I was frozen

unable to give

of a self not 

permitted to be seen

In my solitude

I did not hear 

your screams 

pleading care

how did i not notice

the weight of your arms 

held to the earth

prisoner of isolation

when your back broke, split 

down the the middle

your limbs tearing yourself apart

I cried

Look! I am here now

lifting you up

putting you back

making you whole

But I cannot mend

Unchosen futures

Their fruits left to rot

Sustaining other people’s dreams