Magnolia Tree

Insects will never be able to control

the roots of the jungle, nor can birds

control the wind beneath their wings.

As humans, we can’t control when we

stumble, nor the anxiety we carry on

strings. We can only learn from how

we crumble, and smile through

the stings.

Oh Magnolia tree, why must you

leave traces of silver in your river?

Too many golden bodies have gone

limp, attempting to gather your glitter.

You can outline my darkness

by picturing me as a silhouette,

and if you look hard enough

you can feel the sunrise

of a postcard sunset.

But don’t forget,

you can’t spell ‘I Love You’

without aid from the alphabet.

Because without words or pictures,

humans resemble the shape of a marionette.