Crook

never have I ever
lived forever
'neath the oak tree
spanning yard and sky
trunk unhuggable
sap unlickable

never have I ever
found its crook
that matches mine
its ribs and ebbs and flows
a wizened paradigm
of timeless character moguls

perseverance
determination
wisdom, pride, honor
boding well on her body
in her veins
toes to crown

never have I ever
smothered shaded memories in regret.
for what grass felt
and leaves saw
soaked into grooves
both mind and made.