Kyle Booten Writing

Bonsai


Green loves green, boring loves boring—

this is the best I've seen of wisdom.

I read it in your leaves of nine-point font,

right before they burned brown for thirst

and then I remember you exist.  Orange juice,

water, whiskey—you'll drink anything, won't you.

I am your only light and only rain.  Or

should it be lonely rain. This must be

why I make you the first living thing I touch

each morning.  Be mine to drink with, to share

a doom with.  Recognize me when I return. 

Be silent through the desert hours of neglect. 

     I haven’t failed you, have I.  Watch me

     while I snore, pretend to listen when I sing.