cedar marsh
I have a virtue I think planted deep,
the seeds thereof I soaked in waters whilst young.
I let it simmer and I let it steep.
Loving how it rolled off the tongue.
My brother and I once chose teams to support
of the old contact egg ball sport
and I followed my mother in her choice
and he hearkened after our
father's voice.
I picked a loser... I soon found out, but I had this virtue
without a doubt.
As years went on and I fell so hard
this little plant would show itself in many ways.
She showed me kindness and my admiration followed her
with no progress conventionally shown.
but my heart though cut, was never broken.
although times and turmoil cut to the bone.
My first crush lasted three years with few words spoken
and my second lasted five years that drifted us apart
"What was the point" many would ask?
Let them wonder how it could be, that all that training was to
cultivate loyalty.
So when I met my love years later,
far away in a distant land.
writing poems for her as I waited
and she for me in blurry expectation.
I looked back at my unyielding loyalty
not owed to anyone
but
shielded and strong.
I looked at its lush leaves and fruits that
it bore. The losing team I loved
even with our backs to the wall.
It may seem foolish to pick a loser
and stay the course,
but this wall of protection
grants a garden...
to flourish and flow,
to mock abandon.
Here I look back at my life and this tree.
Yes, it hurt me
but it built me too.
Oh, loyalty, guardian of the free.
Who forgives so much and paves
the way to charity.
Unsung unseen beautiful wall of green.
high cobalt