When There Were Trees

Their branches hung over the river

And a child could lean against their trunks to dream,

Instead of standing on a concrete edge,

When there were trees.

Their colors lined the residential streets

Softening the edges of civilization

And a child looking at them, raised his gaze to the skies

When there were trees.

Their leaves shaded the siesta of afternoon

And when fallen, laid a blanket over

The burrowing bees, warming them till spring,

When there were trees.

This world had enough wonder to keep us alive,

In spite of its small-town gossip, endless bickering,

Politicking, and putting on airs from those who think they lead,

When there were trees.