Is a country way of sayin’
remain near home,
don’t venture far,
keep nearby.

Once you embody shadow
under the pine’s umbrella
and grace the riverbank,
turn around, go no farther.

A botanical guidepost,
a sinewy, shrubby stop sign.

I wish I had a willow now.

I wish I had a willow
outside my apartment door,
down the steps, in the courtyard,
on the edge of the sidewalk.

A rooted, leggy reminder
to return inside,
distance myself from you.

© First published in Pangyrus – October 31, 2020

Tara E. Sturgill (she/her) is a wetland biologist and poet residing in Kentucky. She’s a mental health advocate, LGBTQIA+ ally, volunteer, Passion Planner, friend to houseplants, and an introvert. Tara aspires to own and operate an organic farm. To date Tara’s work has been published in The Ravens Perch and Pangyrus. Connect/plugin at tespoet.com