Gathering Branches for Jack

The winter had been mild,

no branches burdened

by ice or heavy snow.

March winds didn’t stir

so intensely either

but nests held tightly

and May tulips bloomed

in excess.

I wonder if he heard

the crack above

the tree’s decision to let go

one of its own.

It was the same year

my bra strap hung on

by a thread.

Odd,

how bra straps stay

but tree limbs break

and the robin’s egg

lies warm and soft.