she said she needed to see trees.
they were calling her.
but they were there, and we were here.
there would be time.
we always think there will be time.

the storm hit. the world went sideways.
light show; deluge of thunder.
we huddled by our candles
and fought with the smoke alarm.
the darkness prevailed.

today, we go to the park
for our daily commune.
but the trees are splintered,
an epic war lost
after fighting so long.

she pats them goodbye,
says a prayer to the gods
for our friends
who gave us shade
and a home for the birds.

Life is fleeting
even when roots are deep.
you cherish and mourn
their demise, and move on.
a forest of memories.

she said she needed to see trees.