a tree, to a tree

make me into a skipper,
and sail me into the horizon
into the far nations
where things fare better
--
take me with you!
there must be room for two,
i may be nothing now, but later
i could be useful too!
--
try as i might to sail with two on my back,
my sails could not carry us
i thought our voyages would end at that
--
until he spoke up, weeping as he did,
i won't burden you, for i burden myself,
just remember me when you have children
and stories to tell
--
so we left behind one,
and i still remember his name
we were two greats, instead of three:
and there was no one to blame
but me.