The Evolution of a Poem: Genocide of the Trees

I wrote this poem based on events in my neighborhood, ones that continue. On the surface, the things happening include cutting down trees whose roots raised a few sidewalk slabs (other ways to deal with this!), repairing some bad spots in the streets and curbs, and installing ramps at corners for those with physical disabilities.

As a shaman who communicates with the Elements and nature, the elimination of the trees bothered me. I gathered remnants from all I could and held a ceremony to honor them, which was an awesome experience. The following poem…