footprints

Yesterday, I cut back the burning bush
on the hill beside my house.

It never spoke to me.
Not once.

It had grown higher
than I stand, unchecked
for now thirteen years,
and never commanded me
to remove my shoes.

It is recommended
that the wings be trimmed in late winter,
before new growth begins.
The fly-away branches-gone now. Just
fragments discarded on some sad morning
and a rooted scrag in place
awaiting rebirth.

I see no divine providence
or transcription of holiness
in this. Hope will follow
in the spring.

Now, a deepening chill ebbs
-in vain.
Winter is not yet over,
and I tarry in the garden
alone.

7 thoughts on “footprints

  1. Melinda Kucsera

    interesting allegory and it makes a good point. When your faith/beliefs are cut down there is loneliness, even if those beliefs never spoke to you, they were still there and sometimes that brings comfort and sometimes not.

    Reply
    1. John S Post author

      Thank you Melinda. A thoughtful response. The weariness can be rough and it is ok to address it. This poem started as a simple chore and grew into a larger thing because I was wondering about and willing to see the symbolism.

      Reply
  2. Pingback: footprints – ChristmasCandi

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