Still Trees
Published in
Jun 3, 2021
my guilt sits across from me
avocados growing in between
just sprouts in jars but still
trees
they’ve been growing
a year already
maybe longer
distracted from my
breakfast by
rectangles and
circular thoughts
unhappy endings amid floating
dust and hair particles
I am trapped
in a game I do
not want to play
anymore
coffee phinned, peach pastry
left over by the door —
to move demands
such energy
can I just sit here a while
lose myself in the crossword and
watch plants photosynthesize
until I feel safe enough to
get
out
of
this
chair
even if
I never move sideways again
I suppose I’d have no choice
but to grow
up
as this sprout
with nowhere to go
sits ineluctably reaching
toward the sun
by toothpicks
suspended
Justin Mark DeWolf 2021
