faintly sinking
dying slowly,
still, I breathe.
I'm still living, always
like the apple tree,
I'm still giving,
giving to the boy
who always remained a boy
who never reciprocated my love.

still, I breathe,
not in his careless love
but in my unconditional love.
when I cut my leaves for him,
I still was me.
when he ate my apple fruits
I remained true always.
he did swing at me
my joyful heart remained.
when finally he cut me
for a boat,
I remained a stump.

after many years
he's old, he dies
still, I live
my stump grows.
he who gives never knows
lack,
he who loves unconditionally
will triumph eventually
like the giving tree.


© JC Allison