Willow
​By: ​Catherine Abdous

When I close my eyes, I see your leaves dangling in the wind
Long and dried withered with bitter parts of you
The sun has set, your branches low and thin
One by one, falling as you lose your iridescent hue

Willow, willow, willow
How sharp was the razor that cut your skin?
Gone and never found, was the blade beneath your pillow?
Tourniquets and bruises, did the blood wash away your sin?

When I hear your name, I see your secrets, covered like a curtain
Your maroon dress, torn and ripped to shreds
Dull and sunken eyes, cold but uncertain
Was your heart the same color as your bled?

Choose life or death, cross the River Styx
Your curious aura pluvial but numinous
Shaky fingers and trembling lips
Poisonous words flow, orphic yet dangerous

Ignore the wail of the ocean calling your name
Wait for the daylight, so miraculous and mellow
Dance in the moonlight, have no shame
​Willow, willow, willow, my weeping willow.

​Poetry Award Winner

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Catherine Abdous of Central Magnet School wrote to the editors, "An old friend of mine has been severely depressed for several years and I wanted to offer support to her. She has always liked and supported my poetry and it encouraged me to submit my poem here."