There was once a tree

I saw not two trees become foe.
I saw not a willow,
Sell its shade to the earth.
Benevolently it shares,
The elm its branch to the raven.
Wherever there is a leaf,
My Passion blossoms.

(Sohrab Sehperi)

~

She was the most beautiful girl i had seen. It was summer, the laburnum tree was in bright yellow bloom. Beneath its branches i was smitten, but how could my fumbling heart express my instant undying love? I was not well versed in the romantic arts. I dropped a coin for her to pick up and keep. Decades ago now, we were eleven. Two hours we were together. It was the first and last...