2020 Commended - Toby Morrison, 'A Tree'

TOBY MORRISON

Commended - 2020 Tower Poetry Competition, 'Trees'

A Tree

This daily tree

Is like a half anchor

     of routine.

Many days I've passed

     It

Easily forgotten days.

The unforgotten tree

Is a well-shaped arrowhead

But one large branch

     Swings

          Out

               And pockets the air

               And sometimes sunlight

               --

                      --

                              -- Is like a slide

I ignore it in the morning often;

At the early angle, it's obscured by housing.

Returning, I notice that whimsical arm, etched in intricate bark

Waving good afternoon.