you were our fairy tree

children climbed inside spilled

out of your hollow bowl like elves

 

they climbed up rough bark

to the top where a few leaves still

lingered

 

they leaned on you – beautiful

women loving you as grandmother

climbing inside you to the top

 

they bring their children to

your magic place, snap photos

remember who they used to be

 

I walk the dog and sit on your bench

at midnight and once

I became you I became a tree beneath the stars

 

fairy tree, ghost tree, old friend