Nobody Ever Told Me That Willow Trees Die Sitting on my back patio looking at my willow trees The leaves a waterfall in suspended animation The cool dim evening sky peering through Seeming as at ease as Captain Jack Sparrow with a sword at his neck Yet, storms from the beginning of summer have made their mark Large limbs dangle Some lay in their open grave Rotting above the ground Nobody ever told me that willow trees die I guess I should have known Nothing lasts forever Everything dies My daughter surprised me a few weeks ago I was going to be a grandpa This would be our first grandchild Nobody ever told me how that initial news feels “Dad, you can’t tell anyone yet I still have to have my first visit with the doctor” I share stories of a good bowel movement “Sure, honey, I understand” I kept my word Texted her often, “How are you feeling?” “I’m doing great, Dad, don’t you worry” I didn’t worry and I didn’t reveal Sitting on my back patio looking at my willow trees I received a text “I’m sorry to tell you this news, But we lost the baby” Nobody ever told my daughter That one in six pregnancies end in miscarriages Nobody ever told me How to comfort a daughter that just had one Taking another look at my willow trees I notice a wispy new twig rejoicing “Here I am”