The gentle winds
Have the trees swaying
Tugging at their roots
Making them stronger

And the leaves ruffle
Like the hands of
My sweet old aunt
Waving at me from afar

Or merely trembling
Involuntarily
Like those of age
Sometimes do

And the branches
Sway from side to side
As they remember
Years of youth

Dancing in the courtyard
Hands securely placed
Around the firm torso
Of her teenage sweetheart

And yet another growth ring
Has come full circle
Telling stories of love and loss
Of bliss and sadness

The carvings in its bark
That will never fully fade
Are testament to sweetness found
And to moments gone

And as the wind calms
And she strains herself
For a final wave
I see only joy in her eyes

And all remorse is gone

~