and will you leave her?
after all, she's gone around
the world and back again
and ended up at your feet.

look closely.
she trembles.
she loves.
she hurts.
will you leave her?

her eyes are
blue, brown, green,
they are the colors
of forests and seas and skies.
they have made their home
in the hues of her kindness.
will you leave her?

she breaks her own heart
to keep you sewing.
she doesn't know how
to work a needle and thread.
she loves how patiently
you keep her chest flowing steady.
will you leave her?

she knows she tires you.
that's why she runs,
so that you can breathe again.
but she's selfish
and will always come running back.

she holds onto your arms
even when you've left
her back on the state lines
between california
and a year of winter sadness.

she hopes you feel how
warm you make her.
how despised, yet so
wholly loved.

will you leave her?