Waging War

I'm waging war against the evergreens.
Deciduous is how I like my trees,
With leaves that grow, and fall, whole families
Of beeches, willows, maples – autumn scenes
Exploding with bright orange, change that means
The seasons come and go, with a cool breeze,
With new spring buds, newfound identities,
Discovering their hearts, not cold machines.

Our hearts are made of oak, not sappy pine
That sticks unsweetly to our fingertips.
We proudly serve summer apprenticeships
Under the shady elm, drinking new wine
And cooking with the leaves of the grapevine,
Remembering the ash between smooth sips.