requiem

the fall of a tree
loses something in me

it's not even the guilt
that comes with using paper cups
or the anxiety about oxygen
stripped from the planet

it's more primal
more literal
it stood there
tangible
good
undoubted
real

here was this bountiful thing
full of affirmation
giving shade
nesting birds
reflecting seasons
saving the landscape from stoic
gray buildings

it stood through time
it stood for life
it just didn't stand
a chance with man