lichen

my growth is stunted by seasons

that collapse like lungs

choking on soggy air

drowning in and upon and at the hands of myself

i was always tall

5”9 that rounded shoulders bring down to a 5”8 or “7 

and the trees I drew

Only grew more limbs alongside me

Every year an extra branch

The big oaks grew

The birch in your back yard grew

Old flames scab away like old bark

I have grazed knees

The school nurse is a butcher 

she staples me up like a missing persons poster

And everyone is riddled with a bark

Each layer taps away by year;

the dredges of an ash tray

Leaves over rooty tendrils

little 6 o’clock shadows