Crime Scene

What was their crime, these pictured trees',

fenced in without so much as an "If you please . . ."?

Drawing on forensic science's rhetorical

resources, I must assume it to have been ideological—

for trees bear witness against the human race,

calling attention to its hypocritical totalitarian face.

Like elephants and whales, they're gigantic,

do not forget, and full of grace,

having long forestalled us in this earthly place,

which wherewithal would drive a monkey frantic

that bites its extolled nails to the quick.

September 21, 2024