Do You Know Trees? - a poem by Audrey Austin

Do You Know Trees?

From north, from south

To meet in the centre,

Feeling wanting.

Do you know trees?  he asked

And I feel less than I am.

We walk

And I want to look at him

In a way that he can’t look at me,

Protect myself

While I explore

His vulnerability.

I need a hug.

Words come easy to him

And I like the listening.

I like the sound

Of thoughts that don’t feel foreign.

I like the feel of words

That don’t stand alone,

That seek a friend

In their friendly tone.

Sitting on concrete

Feet on grass,

I want to ask, do you like me?

Can the answer to this

Be found in Newton’s Law?

Do I invite him upstairs?

What if he says yes?

What if he says no, I have to go?

What if?

Feeling the wine,

Drinking his words

Touching my heart,

He likes me.

Here’s to friendship.

I need a hug.

I want a hug.

I feel a hug.

I feel like feeling more

But instead I close the door

And now I wait,

Anticipate and wonder.