One Single Impression: Tree

Here in New England

We know the old growth around which entire towns are built

and the second growth

pushing quite intentionally through stone walls

And the self-consciously placed foreign junk

That is here because it looks good

To somebody from somewhere else again.

Here in New England

Our money is on the pines

The oaks

The sycamores

The hemlock

The maples

That can outlast the big winds

And the nonsense

And will require a town meeting

Before they might be felled

And not without a damned good reason

(And death is the only one)

Because pretty is nothing 

Alongside

Outliving the biggest wind.

One Single Impression