At its base, a clasp of bark like a ragged crown
or hula skirt, the trunk a stem polished palest pink.

Straight and strong, limbs like outstretched arms,
thin bark peeling to the colour of mangoes and sand.

Leaves toss like waves against the blue of the sky,
all hips and limbs, body-shimmy, tips catching fire

as afternoon sun pours and swings, twisting,
untameable; light a live thing.