1 - Willow

The weeping willow waltzes

In the gentle summer breeze.

She saunters gracefully between

The tenuous, tired trees

That create a property line

Between a world and fantasy

With trunks like fence posts

And branches like barbed wire that keep me From seeing what is on the other side - Where the grass is green and the sun shines brighter And there is a pond of endless reflections

And there is no room for desire.

In this fantasy, things are perfect.

So why does the willow weep?

She weeps for she stands on the threshold Between the worlds, only to keep

Seeing things the way they could be

Against the way they are.

This world is weary

And wears at the willow’s heart.

This world is full of people

Who refuse to smile back.

Some days I forget to smile first

Because I lose track

Of the people who will look at me

Instead of looking at themselves

Vanity is a deep and beautiful trap

That leads to a lonely hell.

This is why the willow weeps

And weep, so do I

Until there will be a day

With no more need to cry

Just time to smile

And time to laugh

A time to love

Without holding back.

But that is not today.

So the willow’s company will I keep

And with her I will cry

And if anyone asks us why we weep

I will give the reason why

With eyes full of sorrow, a heavy heart upon my sleeve But bright eyes on the silver lining

And an ear toward the humming wind between the trees That sings a low song

With a gentle melody

Full of beauty

So why does the willow weep?