Salix Nigra
I have left prayers on squares of silk
Tied to your branches; whispered over water
Desires that burn my tongue and womb.
I have hopped in the snow and thrown my right shoe
Into your branches where it stuck –
Twelve months from now a wedding.
I have plaited, knotted, burnt and brewed
The willow, wringing from it such truths
I have bound bundles with red
Burnt sticks with blue
Divined, signed and bargained
Black willow, coyote willow, peachleaf and crack willow
Purple willow, white willow, basket and goat's willow
Kick in the base of my spine.
I'm rising, sighing
An open mouthed orchid
Blooming throaty
With fetid breath.
Shh–
Willow boy watching through a crown of leaves
I have caught your soul in my silver net
Weeping willows mourn the moon.
How stars fall delicate in mountains
Where wolves are trapped for skin.
First published in Moonwise, Edge of Time Ltd, 2002