C 2005

Strength in the pallor
of the old tree’s trunk
as it reached to the light
in the black of the night.

Its branches protected
the alley newly paved
as it led into the obscurity
from a place once of suitability.

Although now a back way,
she saw it as her main street
as she lived with her loss
alone at all cost.

Better off seeing the loss
than having it sneak up in the dark.
There’s one thing about losing,
it forced her to look at what was left.

There’s nothing left.
She ached.
Until the breeze
from the trees

whispered,
you’re left.