Branches - March 13, 2024

I hung from them once

climbed and shuffled down their lengths

bent and broke them

stripped them and beat them

tossed them away

so it’s no karmic wonder

at eight years old

I fell twenty feet from one

punctured a hip

had to be carried home

disrespect and danger dancing together

worn shoes on a greased ledge

aren’t too smart if you don’t

pay attention or notice

when the birds stop singing

or see that dark cloud

lose its balance

and tumble into the sun