falling trees

in time, even
the strongest of trees
bends
and loses
its leaves, then
withers, becomes
brittle
awaiting the wash
of wind
and rain to take
it down. sometimes
others fall
with it, taking
down
the ones nearby,
those with
roots tangled
in yours.
just the thought
of this
at times, keeps you
from getting too
close, or falling
in love.