Cosmos of a myriad creatures

furry, feathered and many-legg'ed

home haven and sanctuary.

Always beautiful in evergreen

silver bright in winter snow

sparkling brilliants after rain

deep resin-perfumed summer shade

for dogs, old lame men and children.

 

Heard them scheming wickedly

'Keeps the light out!'

'Needles clog the drains!'

'Roots push up the flagstones!'

'Resin spoils our cars!'

'Chop it down!'

The woodmen called in nick of time

and plotters admonished for not

respecting its beauty and great age.

 

But then it declined relentlessly

branches no longer aromatic green

its world of invisible tiny beings

left lost, homeless and astray.

Murdered by chemicals or witchery

or just the anguish of a broken heart

at such crass ungratefulness

for its many freely given gifts?