Cherry Trees

Papaw Kidd’s branches sway with each tickle

of the wind. Look at big they are, Mamaw

gasps, eyes hugging the trunks grown green with moss.

Aunt Vivy nods, If only we could still climb.

Shade covers the lawn as leaves and blossoms

stretch across the sky, the two trees reaching

for a lover’s embrace. Mamaw looks at the bird,

hopeful for a place to land, We can

when we dream. Perched on a twig, it begins

singing. Do you hear that? Aunt Vivy closes

her eyes. Mamaw sighs, Yes, he’s just like us.