"Loose Spine in Spring"

 

I had to let go:

hard, dense, tender

leaves just peeking out from

a smooth bark delta

on only one tree,

Willoughby Ave.

I wanted very badly

to take a reminder with me

I did not think I would retain

the crescent moon stained

with wavy clouds up between

fresh, shy branches.

I hesitated

not wanting to rob

a single leaf of chance.

I chose one so sheltered that

it may never see sunlight

anyway.

 

But it held on,

its structure still glued

to resilient, hydrated stalk.

Impressed, I looked up a last time

my skull loose on its fasten.