i leaped
from branch, to branch
and i could see the tiny holes
on the underside of leaves
and i could see the tiny scars
on the underside of branches

footfalls
as soft as a child's
hands
as hard as the branches
eyes reflecting the sky
speckled with birds trying to fly higher

i'm taking home with me
slowly tossing it up
watching as it grew branches and leaves
falling on to its soft edges
softened by time and touch
i'm taking home with me

i'm taking home with me