THE BLADE: SECOND

BY TRACY SCHLAPP

The node crossroads this sturdy pine.

Select the branch that will lead,

and cut away its competitor. 

Thumb and index rub

away hormone-spiked needles, stunting growth

in one place, 

letting two branches flourish in another.

They will grow into a lacy cloud to live in harmony 

with the pine shelves below.

The tree achieves a pleasing shape 

in the landscape.

The pruning was considered,

but there was no right answer.

There was no winning.

When you are chosen

the focus is the victory 

of continuing the journey to the sky.

I feel the snip

of those sharp, 

pointed scissors,

the abrasion of needles

plucked away. 

There is no doubling back,

nothing left

for this branch discarded at my feet.

It is second.

Standing before

a tree that will never 

reach its full height,

I remember two branches

and a choice.

I remember the snip

and the falling away.

I remember the way the

crunch of footsteps

grew more quiet 

in this garden. | TDS