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The Willow Twig

like a bright-lit afternoon
abruptly turns to dusk
a curtain drops
the mind goes dark
and the tongue lies mute
within a wordless pool of wetness

a warm bitter cup
of cold patriotism is given
for a promised rewarding harvest

instead rainbows rising high
in showers of blood
bring death to feast in quietude
from the leavings of an army
on their long march south

fear of the never-again
spreads the distance
of the space between
two lovers
uncomfortable to speak
she reaches out to touch
his well-starched uniform

an echoing snap is heard
as a willow twig is broken
and lain softly in her hand
a candle drips with tears
and turns to ashes-gray



A/N:in China a broken willow twig symbolizes departing lovers

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