Living the Dream

Trees do not bear easily, when exposed
roots roiling just beneath surface
of sifting dry spell of days or decades

heart is quick to startle and collapse or curl
when offered to air or pain that infests it

there is no nursing for this but clumps of caring:
patches of time and layers of loving stitching
sod and skin to mend the rend of relinquished hold

knotty and gnarled, this gritty grasp, on very life itself
for what love gives it can simply grab away
with an insignificant infraction or detraction
perceived or purposely led astray

ask me, if you would know, needs needing nurture
if you would husband this unhealthy heart
for if you fail to guess, or grab insight, evidenced
by sharp shoulder and reluctance to rise
I shall not give you shelter nor surpass
my simple presence, surface-soiled

Tags: Poems, Skin Talk //