oh little tree you are my favorite
skinny in the most unwanting way
one season? two? to know for certain
would be the end of you,
my inanimate love

feelings you cannot have
joys you will never feel
but nourishment and growth
breathe life into you
like the wind through your lost leaves

do not change please
never before have i seen leaves such as yours
i walk by twice a day sometimes six
always in even numbers,
for one can only go so long as one comes back.

you will outlive us all