As you look into my eyes

I want you to think of me

as the leaves in a tree, not only

as you sink into their peaceful green lull

but to remember me

as beautiful and care free

Look towards the branches

stretching to the sky and think

of the way my arms crossed the space

between you and I

to tentatively embrace you, afraid to

open up and reach into the unknown

As do all things there is cycle

and change is inevitable

but as I start to age

like the rings of a tree and resemblance

begins between weathered bark

and wrinkled skin, remember then

when I was a young sapling

so afraid of life but ready to live

©ShawnaRenea