They cut her down today—

first, they started 

with her tallest branches

just a few cuts 

to sprinkle the earth 

with hundreds of years worth 

of her

Next, they began sawing at 

her midsection 

bulbous and covered in lichen 

her body etched with the histories

of teenage love

Finally, they snipped her —

sliced her from her roots

and let her topple 

beside the only place

she’s ever called home 

But that’s the thing about trees

even when you cut them down

you’re still left with a stump,

a reminder of all that was 

and all that is underneath.