Once, I had
an accident
my bones were
crushed
my heart
smashed
all tears drained
out of me
along with my
blood
I forgot what
it was like
to thirst
thirst for life
then
I was given
a crutch
it came to me
out of the
blind spot
in my vision
someone
let me see it
and grab it
tight
it was a
straight young
branch
alive and strong
why I found
it on my path
when it
should have
been gracing
a tree,
I know not
It was of straight growth
supple yet supportive
its bark gleaming
like suntanned
skin
with spots like
twinkling brown
whip-poor-will eyes
it lent me strength
just looking at it
seeing its health
I learnt to walk
again
leaning on it
more than
on any friend's shoulder.
My bones mended
wounds soul/body alike
I tended
crawling
pacing
walking
strolling...
Yet though
I walked again,
the crutch
never left
my armpit
until
one day
it just clung
clung to the ground
grew roots
I heard it
tell me
in my heart
a story of
raindrops on
home territory
wonted earthy
scents
long, dreamy winters
snowy covers
brisk reawakening
buds
leaves...
leaves
I understood
my armpit felt empty
I was afraid
to take a step
without it
deemed impossible
the notion
my look
lingered
on its
faithful, cherished
limb,
caressing
what I had
never, when still
in reach,
thought of stroking.
then, the earth
moved on
beneath my
feet
and took my
crutch
away
I turned
and walked
into
my future.
