graceful willow sways & weeps
feathered arms sway a sweeping
this ill fated night fretful steeps
forewarns not he comes a creeping
as bush clad creek trickles near
bubbling waters gently ******
too soon will be awash in fear
no signs reveal sick eves wrinkle
night queen wafts upon warm air
as gently rest all souls a slumber
he lifts her touches soft her hair
in sleep awake in deep encumber
all still all quiet in dead of night
lone cicadas chirp solitary sound
in silence he works to stage it right
lays her limp on soft leafy ground
sister willow weeping watches on
cords pulled to make knots tight
he feeds her leaves one by one
hope slips the knot drips away
drop by drop of endless night.

©J.C.