Keep reaching

Branches reach
As fingers to the sunrise
Desperate to hold
What is too far away


Shot through with vermillion
Sailors take warning
But the tree still yearns
Undeterred by threats of wind and water
Its roots reach deep
Bark thick and whorled
Resolute


Promises were susurrated
Before the leaves fell
With no intention to break them
Keep reaching
Survive
Until the distance is closed
The welkin finally embraced
Or rot sets in
Limbs crashing to earth
A trunk remaining
A testament to having tried
Still longing