Read Poem: Entrusted Sufferers, by Leslie DuFresne

I poured out my eyes to the naked trees
they understand rain

My soul hollow like their insides
they stare back bold and trusting

the forest of them agreeing to hold it sacred
my secret. The quiet suffering

they know. It’s there as they hold their branches up
shrugging to say we see it

we’ll hold it for you.

–Leslie DuFresne