You Said Meet You by the Fig Tree

Then he told them a parable: "Look at the fig tree and all the trees; as soon as they sprout leaves you can see for yourselves and know that summer is already near. So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that the kingdom of God is near. Truly I tell you, this generation will not pass away until all things have taken place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.
Be on guard so that your hearts are not weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and the worries of this life, and that day does not catch you unexpectedly... 

Luke 21:29-34

You said meet you by the fig tree

and the leaves would heal us

and the branches flower and fruit and feed

you said God would appear as sure as spring

and something wonderful that has no human words,

maybe only exhalations, was coming, and soon, and how

we waited by the tree, observed fruit emerging,

heard it plunk to the ground, smelled sweet softened flesh

watched chipmunks and marmosets scurry off with it all

now the leaves brown and pirouette to the ground

and the branches look like weapons and the wind blows

through us and we are naked in our waiting in our weakened faith

“Be on guard, let not your hearts be weighed down

with dissipation and drunkenness and worry.”  are you kidding???

gravity pulls and tugs and we do droop and drink and dissolve

O Lord, yes you – the one who said to meet you there

the one who withered on the tree like wasted produce 

who rose too soon because where are you now – our longing for you aches

so why do we gather still and so, watching twigs sprout and bud

spying every last ficus cariga, eavesdropping to hear if you will curse it

or finally flower all hopes and dreams now shriveled on the branch