i thought our tree,

less yellow leaves

and branches perky,

seeming to respond well

being nearer the window,

was looking better

—but now i’m not sure

it depending on the day

and my mood

how things appear

as i look at them

at once sad and drooping

and then not long after

joyous and upright

this being the same tree

that we’re talking about

which, in reality,

is just the same, all along