He Is a Tree

when I lean against you,
I remember that I'm small and frail
I clamber up your trunk,
escaping my demons below
they reach upward, for my ankles
ready to pull me into darkness
I close my eyes,
pushing the beasts out of sight,
to soar above all my insecurities
I lose track of time in your limbs,
staring at the magic within leaves
that are the purest shades of green
but time changes all things
turning leaves to shades I never knew
oranges, yellows, reds, and browns
my palms ache from climbing up,
gripping onto your roughest boughs
when I can't go any higher,
my fingertips graze the markings I left
where I carved my name
into the middle of your chest,
permanently etching my stamp into your flesh
I’ve heard time heals almost everything,
but it hasn't healed you
I hold your leaves in my hands,
feeling our memories in your veins
when I lean against you,
I remember that you're strong and tall
I close my eyes,
and when I no longer feel afraid,
I climb back down to the ground
and water your roots left behind my ribs.