family tree by mary ellen krulick
I stand next to my family tree
this is me, this is me
stepping out of the rain
into the shade of its leaves
some thick and some dying
some so alive they are sprouting
and I am emerging to notice the tree of another
but I see his face first
and kind eyes, kind eyes
the flowers between us
flourishing bright in the warmth of the sun
He takes a step forward
brushing the tall grass with his hands
and closer we will be
when we set ourselves free
[I find daisies and buttercups in my hands
and color in my cheeks]
She is Beloved 