The skull amongst the trees

How could you leave? 

The wind brings the sound of coyotes

and later,

you find the vertebrae in the deep brush. 

There is a softer side to you;

It's like leaning back fully into a chair

and feeling the weight press back, 

just enough

so you know that it's there. 

Later, I will wonder how you survive. 

I learn about how you are living

and I am suddenly pinned to my kitchen floor. 

Undo the balustrade and forgo support. 

As we trudge through the snow, 

I wonder. 

Who will be our spine, 

if you go?