Conversation at the Tree

                             “Bleak - grey, cold day, a snarled tree,
                             like me, alone, leaning … behind.
                             Strange scene … houses, rounded stone roofs,
                             addresses etched, but names too.
                             Narrow streets divide the sections,
                             trees, many trees with Falling leaves.

                             “Why are you standing here alone?”
                             “This is the spot I choose … away …”
                             “Yes, that’s you, that’s what you would do.
                             It is good to see you again.
                             How are you, have you been ok?”
                             “Ok … yes, nothing much has changed ...”

                             “There’s no need for that while I’m here.”
                             “Yea … but sensitive remember.”
                             “Thirty-years now, that’s a long time.”
                             “It seemed so as it passed … not now.
                             There are faces that I don’t know”
                             “Friends and family you never met.”

                             “I guess there wasn’t enough time”
                             “I didn’t believe you wouldn’t
                              come back, not my best idea.”
                             “That guy that turned … he seems to know.”
                             “Maybe - You met him, he’s my son.”
                             “I don’t want them seeing me.

                             The gathering seems to be breaking.
                             It’s time for me to hit the road.”
                             “Better wait, he’s walking toward you.””
                             “Sir, you look familiar, you knew mom?”
                             “Yea I did, but long, long ago.
                             Your mother and I … were once friends.”

                             “Well you are welcome to join us.”
                             “Thank you son, that is very kind,
                             but it's time for me to head home.”
                             ““Wait, why don’t you go?”  “  Don’t want to-”
                             “Well then I want to come with you.”
                             “Yea I know … you’re always with me.””