Sightless black eyes whirled into bark. The sideways light of dawn lids them in shadow, and dew sparkles in their seams. Like tears. Like they’re crying with me. I can’t say why, but I feel a kindness in their quiet solidarity. Then I feel a little embarrassed. Twice now these trees have watched me vanish into my grief. The first time was when I nearly plunged off a cliff, and now this. I’m still only wearing a towel.
