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Solitary Leaf
Battered and torn
speckled and withered
by sun and drought
fixed at the very end
of a long slender branch
arching towards the dirt
never touching
never upright.
Just enough green
for another day
not by choice
but by fate
not by chance
destined to this state
neck bent low
as dew rolls down
as the mist rises.
Tender rays of light
to dry the dew
to wipe away and make new
a moments respite
but 'tis only a dream
a flight of fancy
knowing what is to come
but keeping hope
nonetheless.
Rays turn to shards
scalding, sizzling the ends
as they fray and sway
stem firmly attached
silent screams
as cracks form at midday
aching for tears
ah, blessed tears
that which burns can also soothe
but never at the same time.
Slight relief as the moon rises
pain persists though heat subsided
sky is closed without a drop
to quench the thirst
that never ends
bent and broken
eyes finally shut
flailing about
the wind cools the burns
that the water cannot.
Fear grips
as the tender ray returns
to wipe away tears
memory of the day gone by
oh if only it were not so
only if the sleep never ended
the tear almost healed
one new freckle
to join the rest
and the sun rises high
above all the crest.
Where has mercy gone,
where does it hide it's face
from the silent screams
the long-suffered waiting
for the soothing rain
it does not hear that
which is so small
and one among countless
the only mercy received
are days numbered.
Ah...what is this?
Finally mercy has awoken
to remember me
a tender drop of cool rain
a balm to my weathered skin
another and another
blessing upon blessing
faster and faster
until the healing crack
bursts open
ripping from side to side
the force of mercy
raining down.
Wonderful.
Wonderful.
Thank you :)
Thank you :)