my neighbour tells me  
that a tree from my property
has overgrown into  
his garden. gives me permission
to trespass
when I want
to cut it back. I hadn't intended  
anything, but this, I guess,
is something  
which follows
with stewardship.  
dutiful, I take a long-armed snipper
and trim, careful to avoid
his car  
and any flowers. his daughter  
watches my working –  
she's six years old
and asks if I'd like
to come in  
and play teddies. I tell her politely
"another time",  
feeling uncomfortable.  
her dad comes out.
he hushes her inside.
we make small talk. a branch falls  
between us.