The tree of darkness balanced its shade.
Between all its leaves spiders spun webs.
In only one spot a circle of moonlight snuck through.
It illuminated a heart surrounding two names carved on its trunk.
The question is who would choose such a tree
to declare their love?
Even here a breeze disguises a greater breath
its collision with my cheek and throat.
As the moon sets, the spiders’ abdomens
issue a phosphorescent glow.
The leafy canopy blocks out all other constellations
to create its own in radiant blue hues.
copyright © 2021 Kenneth P. Gurney
Umflop 