Your roots pushed down deep, through the dry and cracked soil and between my ribs to gently wrap round my secret heart, somehow finding the last few drops of love hidden within this arid body.  You were my constant, my courage, my unspoken oath and unquestioning oak tree- you were strong in the face of every ill wind, you held my foolish weight without complaint, you were simple patience in a world of heaving time and hurtling bodies. I carved my love into your side, a cruel and childish scraping of hearts and stars when you deserved so much better, so much more elegant - and yet you wore it all with pride, you added your own, you gently guided my hand each and every time until I memorized your size, your shape, and the perfect place upon your skin I always yearned to call home.