The Proverbial Fig Tree

And the one in our yard

Photo by Jametlene Reskp on Unsplash

Only last week
we harvested a few small figs
from the little potted tree.

Since then,
the leaves have curled up,
gone dry and brown.
Its fruit has shriveled.
I water it
but fear it’s too late.

This cannot have been cursed
to die
like its proverbial twin,
which had been fruitless.
Yet perhaps,
despite its efforts,
humans have cursed it
anyway.

We will continue to water the little tree
as it represents a family.

We will pray despite our fears.
We must hope against hope!