Leaning (Poetry)

Back to back — the trunk a natural prop
the angle of her leaning casual
as though deliberately designed to fit
and grown that way —
like some unique arrangement flesh and bark agreed —
contrasting tones and texture —
light and dark.

Girl and tree — both living — share the park
and summer with the sun upon bared limbs —
their clothing seasonal —
her short white cotton dress
as ephemeral in its way as flower heads
that have already had their day and shed themselves —
thrown down their dying pink.

Youth and age — the old supports the young
for those few moments while the scene is sharp
and picturesque — its elements at rest —
blue butterflies tattooed upon her leg
seem charming while their novelty is fresh.

The tree stands rooted — she will walk away —
forget its touch — its bodyshape and how
they leaned together briefly on that day.