Untouched

Untouched

from here, under this tree, I watch the world

watching and wanting the world I see

leaning on this tree, feeling it under me

papery bark softens under my hand

peels away to bring in the newest of itself,

falls away to smooth.

Branches hug in lowering circles

snatch at the world they cannot hold

I am in it, I am in it, I am in it

the world holds me too

I fall away to smooth

am softened to belong

I am butter under the tree

melted from endless circles around

I am soaking into the ground.

the limbs lower their circles to clutch

I am held in my place

but not touched.