Start When You See It’s Me

In the unearthly shadow

Of an angel like a tree,

Giant as an alien

Monster disguised as a tree,

I can catch a glimpse of you

As I am and as you’ll be,

Your forehead lined, your hair white,

Worn long, not one drop of dye,

Waiting for me to visit

You somewhere in memory.

That shadow has a substance,

Rippling with dark leaves, black wings.

It’s haunted. It’s not empty.

I can feel it protect you

When you shyly turn your eyes,

Then start when you see it’s me.