The Baobab Tree by Rachel Sawaya

You know he is there, standing

in a field, like all the others,

but he is not like them.

The children do not eat his leaves,

or sugar coat his pulpy fruit.

His trunk has not been stripped

by women hoping to calm

a fever. He cannot soothe you.

He can only hold you after

your last shred is torn away.



You were told anyone can visit him,

as long as they are respectful.

You let