IN SHADOW 

Shadows on

the sidewalk 

mimic the pattern 

of plaited, twisted

branches above.

Walking, I think 

there is plenty 

of clearance

but there’s not.

The crown 

of my head

butts up against 

a low bough

I don’t see.

Jarred, the tree

shudders and shakes.

A dark form

untethers itself

from the black 

tangled limbs

on the pavement

under foot

and flies free.

A cawing follows. 

Shadowy thoughts

can roost

in the mind

like crows

we don’t know

are there

until they surprise us 

and then quickly disappear 

leaving an ebony echo

in the wind.