Petiole

My tiny beating heart
faintly glowing
lantern on a tendril
reaching out
hanging bare
you would not go there
no fond smile
of quaint naivete
just you wouldn’t
only I would
so I hang
droop
withdraw.

Why couldn’t you give the
right response
sunlight for a seed
water for my thirsty throat
I put it back inside
pack it tight
and warm
and safe
till better weather comes
another season
another love lost
fallen leaf
compost