A Heartfelt Embrace (Poetry)

My heart beats with loneliness,

My chest heaves with despair.

I hug the tree out front my house,

breathing in its air.

My fingers touch the bark,

My cheek brushes against some moss.

I tell it about the book.

I tell it about my loss:

Of friends held dear,

of every tear, I’ve shed —

My loss of human rights.

The tree listens silently,

its branches touch the night.

“Oh my crazy moon child,

Oh my lunatic.

May you always shine in darkness.

May you find the light within.”

The tree says not a single word

as I release the hug.

The wind blows through its barren branches.

My coat is warm and snug.

I pick up the compost bin

and slowly walk inside.

My despair has lifted, the tree stands tall

Reaching to the sky.