I witness a tree unleaf
and my heart is softened
knowing it will releaf next spring.
But there is no softening
watching you unleaf,
no such imagined spring
to keep me company
in the heart of winter,
no such certainty in time frame,
no such pattern in your fall,
no part a burden to share
even with you
in this loneliest time.
Hospice
Poems from in between 
6 responses to “Hospice”
“watching you unleaf,” “no such pattern in your fall,”
I love how this starts with the heart softening, setting up the tender mood that contains heartbreak and resignation. Thought too of Gerard Manley Hopkins and his Goldengrove unleaving, adding another rich layer.
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Yes, I love that poem by Hopkins. Thank you for seeing the best in these.
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My memories rekindled. I’d been holding tears back, and now I can breathe deeply again. Your poetry does that, Jenifer
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Thank you so much! Such tender moments to hold.
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Words touch my heart as memories surface. Thank you.
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I hope they bring you peace.
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