I Lift One of my Wings Toward Neptune: Emi, Jackie

May 7, 2020 Kate Belew with Emi, Jackie (New York City)

I ain't never met a tree who 

didn’t breathe wise advice 

or asked who sits first at dinner

do we pass to the right or left?

Trees don't care about silverware 

though have you ever seen two finches spoon?

I lift one of my wings toward 

Neptune and the other I wrap around

your finger. Which came first: 

the chicken or the fear of straying?

Certainly, even the deepest roots will rot.