the energy stored in branches

we lost our plum tree 

in the ice storm

or so i thought

a root must have held on

because today blossoms 

surprised me everywhere

such pink-tipped elegance!

sprawled this year over the ground

while offering everything alive

as if no longer bearing her own weight

were somehow a relief, grace in 

allowing earth to hold her

a friend told me that all the energy

for spring and summer is stored 

in those branches

a sacred lineage in every season

potential carried like petals of

sweet and fragrant

resilience

ls 3.23.21