Chestnut Susannah Violette

Chestnut

have you noticed the half open umbrella newborn, leaves of the chestnut? they hang down like bats with their leafy wings cocked just so

my baby falls asleep satiated her hands make the same shape tipees of soft pink flesh, soft as down-turned lilies forgotten in her sleepiness

ready to spread open when she wakes

I slide my finger into the socket of her palm the heart of the leaf, centre of the flower the tipi's fire

she unconsciously grips it

a stick to burn, a first wand to wave and command

her face flickers in a small flame of a smile I rock her gently her quiet breathing whispers of her future self

a spirit spire moving heavenward like a twist of smoke

(Previously published by Writers’ Cafe)