Tree

there is a tree
which i pass on the way to classes
did someone take offense to it
------- i wonder
it's been truncated and disarmed so cleverly
(oh so classically)
surrounded
-------surrounded by a ring of black earth like tar

it stands there as i pass
eyeless and caged, unswayed by breeze
its gnarls and knots frozen muscle
old, aching with betrayal
------- where shade branches once used to spread
smooth curves of root like whorled bone
(i hear their voices beneath the sidewalk
------- whispering of breaking through)

at the top
maybe escaping the axe
are twigs
little leaves
secretly green


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