Best Poems Written by Johari Abdul-Zahir

Willow Tree

I see the hanging silhouette of the willow tree.
The eerie shadow of this tree 
is something I know all too well.
Roots deep in soil,
voluminous leaves,
brown... hanging.
You see, my people are like the trees.
Wise, brown,
standing tall, with many beautiful roots and leaves.
Suddenly, 
Sethe got roots on her back, 
Emmett wading in the water,
and all I see 
is strange fruit hanging. 
These trees feel different now...
Once so green and full,
now drooping lifelessly.
So, maybe I see a willow tree,
or maybe it's a brother with his dreads 
lying on the street.
Something about this feels so deep.
How we all come from and return to
the willow tree.

Copyright © Johari Abdul-Zahir | Year Posted 2026