Girl and a Gum Tree

by Melpomene

Many days

I've found you -
slumped 'neath a gum tree,

the dew dripping from
an unripe leaf to your spine
making snail tracks
of words you couldn't say.

Bottlebrush bloomed and
your eyes were swollen
like a puffer fish -

and while my nose
wrinkled with the scent
of eucalyptus, I'd
stay with you anyway.

--

Your face nuzzled
against my cheek and
I'd often ask why
my skin would feel sloshed
like a swamp or an
over watered garden..

..Yet you'd never respond
for we spoke with
foreign tongues.

Somedays you'd whisper
between the buzz
of a bee and screech of
cockatoos dropping
seeds upon our heads,

you words jumbled
yet warm like the sun.

--

Many times
I'd place a gift
at your feet yet you'd
whiz it across the yard
like a fly over my head

and still I'd bring it back
with a huff and puff,
a flick of my tail
brushing against your leg.

For you to know,
I love you too.