trees
see how beautifully we let
each other go.
we let each other go
like the wind leaves the trees
around my house, still and bare.
like the sea leaves the shore
at cheltenham,
the tide pushing the way
out to the island of
rangitoto
the sand shorn of all
but crabs.
we let each other go
as my children leave
for school in the morning
bags packed, hair brushed
teeth cleaned, looking forward
we let each other go
like all these things.
you play a song on my
radio telling me you
will never call
because we want each other
too much
i send a message to another
man and say i like
his shirt
because i need a
new lover.
see how beautifully
we move on.
but the trees will
wave again in the
wind and will
brush against the
walls of my house
the sea will surge
once more and
cover the shore
my children will
return tired
and full.
there could be
a storm tonight
the trees may break
there may be a flood at the beach
they will need to
build sandbanks
my children will grow and turn in
their beds
restless.
all things
will
return
all things
repeating.
all things
will come
back
just as it is
intended.