The Trees
The oaks: stout, proud, tall, thick
been here for a long time
seen many, many days on these blocks
The maples, the pines, the dogwoods too
heard loud rumbling cars
and the hum of electric silence
Felt scorching summers
sharp biting freezing rain
soft powdery snows
Home to blue jays, sparrows, owls, squirrels, ants
Neighbor to construction and demolition
depreciation, remodeling, refurbishment, repurpose
Borne witness to life and death
domestic squabble
late night strolls by lovers and drunken friends
early morning walks of dogs and masters
children in sprinklers joyfully playing
Smelled morning dew, hot fresh asphalt, crisp lightning-filled air, wafting chimney smoke
Stood above flowers and lawns and weeds and bees
Some are ancient
Some are new
Among them friends have come and gone
In summer they peacefully bestow shade
casting shadows across long days
In autumn the display vibrant colors
and a soft abiding hint of passing times
In winter they sleep
preparing for when a new spring will bring
new sprouts, new hopes, new dreams