Stumped (Live)

Chopped down prematurely Maybe for shelter Or heat Or just because Now all that remains Are the remains Of her Look close, however See the sap leak down A new insect burrow The small twig peeking out from between grooves of bark Green leaves curling out fresh and sprite How does a dead stump still live Her network of neighbors Of nearby trees Flourishing never to have met an axe Have laced themselves together Weaved underground cables of life support They gave her nutrients and kind words Crackled messages of love Between their twisting roots Allowing someone who should have never made it To keep breathing