Willows

A tie-dyed sky
flaunts vivid hues 
of amethyst, 
and pearly pink

as twilight hoards 
another day
behind a shelf 
of clouds

matronly 
black willows curl 
bare boughs 
around each other

shivering, 
poised mothers guard 
their empty nests,
and moan 

for whippoorwills
to sing
their mellow 
lullabies

compassion 
stokes the fire, 
burning hours 
spent alone

embracing loss
till night bestows
an April morn
restoring life 
to buds,

on withered limbs
like Lazarus 
they’ll rise again
to touch 
the face of love


© January Grey
02/23/01