winnowed down
to the sheer essence
of just the best
the memories
the legacy
of you
and as my gaze
lands on a tree shed of leaves
I see myself mirrored back
bark guarding my heart
roots deep
holding fast to history
branches outstretched
to try to
touch the sky
trunk standing tall
proud and strong
holding you at its core
winnowed down
to the sheer essence
of just the best
the memories
the legacy
of you
