spring's discontent

in my thirsty adolescence

I stray past nymphets

standing by blooming trees

their faces are smooth

but their smiles

never quite reach their eyes

foolishly I stumble on

deeper into the forest

where the roots reach deep

and branches tower in wisdom

there is a song of earth and content

sung by a familiar woman

even though we’ve never met before

I know every crease and line

that sets my soul trembling

she reaches for my hand

and I lay in her arms

like a child at her breast

she says soon, soon

the assonance like a coo

caressing and comforting me

and I feel peace at last

til I wake next morning

my watch in my hand