Roots

Roots
9 x 12
gouache
on paper

The gnarled roots of a tree she saw
reminded her of her legs.
Her legs,
her own trunk that used to be so strong.
Now 40 years and then 1
they're sagging near the knees.
Tiny violet lines are tributaries
to a river that once ran wild.
Countless scars are trophies
from athletic days gone by.
Yet the tree still stands.
Ready to take root,
branching out again.