we borrowed your sunsets
of course we borrowed your oceans
we borrowed your clouds so sorry
of course and sky
we borrowed your mountain
we borrowed your river
we borrowed

if I were you
if I were me

if it weren’t so sad
to put one foot in front
at times like
day after day after

stitching
illegible words
on the surface
of cupflower
birch redbud gingko

you must think to yourself
here and there

we borrowed your trees
your humor your

to find a shape
so beautiful not to hurt

Wendy Vardaman is the author of three poetry collections. Her creative practice also includes editing, prose writing, illustration, printmaking and design.