thus, from the willow

from the willow i stepped into splattered sunlight

thus, from the willow

i stepped into splattered sunlight

and traced the rays and shadows

with my eyes. i climb

up each spire, like an escalator

till warmth and cold were home.

i meet the sun. face to face.

i brush his nose.

soak his eyes.

know his smile.

and feel his gaze.

i give the kiss he’d given me, except

to his feet. and i weep, freely.