why has that tree dried
from which i had collected a leaf for you
not too long ago
is it that the tree can not withstand
the stoppage of the stream
which used to nourish its roots any more,
but the tree had promised
itself to grow and live
lest birds doent feel betrayed
and leaves continue to fall
to adorn the
loosely bound diaries
of those who now
flip
pages
and dust all traces of
authentic smiles
and cover them
with remnants of prayers
at the altar of new gods