You;
That sweet, barbed tree,
Marring my back.
I still check the mirror,
See you,
And remember.

Our roots are still tangled,
I still remember our
Summer and autumn
But it was nothing
Compared to what
Winter gave us,
Gave me.

Your leaves:
Forever home on my branch,
Immune to the wind’s plead,
Unique,
Deadly.

No velvet for comfort,
Only rebuked manure;
No pruning for growth,
Only determination;
No escape,
We will be one.

Me;
Never alone,
Never the same,
Never the same shades
But,
Standing Tall.