Even before birth, mortality is natural.
Small sapling as sacrifice, taken as collateral
Inside grooves that clasp into branches
To suckle onto a weak life slowly,
Leaving leaves to grow brown and moldy -
All for those few, brief chances.
Hatch free and emerge forth, only to fall below:
Undoubtedly unknowing, continue to burrow.
Feeding on roots in hopes to climb,
But trapped underneath where no one can see
All of the rot concealed by this birch tree.
Where only labor passes the time.
After all these years spent in hiding
Ascends the nymph for love unabiding:
Sheds the old, reflects anew.
As wings distend for opportunity, rife -
Plunge to death; a sad, short life.
Such is the toil to find a lover true.
YOU ARE READING
Uprooted
PoetryA collection of poems and artwork based on the experiences and struggles of an expat living in South Korea.
