"THE TREE" - the day the tree-huggers lost the battle

You were there
living signal to speeding driver
that city and nature have space for each other

You were left
pointing fingers at rush hour artery
that had razed your lush sanctuary

You were made
charming oddity for all to see
standing between lane two and three

You were damned
sentenced by intolerance
dismissed as inconvenience

You are dying
in silent pain as they saw
away with the might of the law

You are vanquished
lofty intentions bid lowly retreat
green slogans paved over with concrete

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"SAILING" - with the wind to another world

Gentle nudges on uncertain bow
reluctance rules for still second
boat budges sails luff lazily
telltales desultory

Now in the open sea
waves bombard
starboard bow with stories
of arduous journeys from distant dangers
winds regale
surging sails with songs
of sleepy isles and busy harbours

Their rhymes and rhythms
bear the boat
on angels’ wings
flying on the breath of God

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"WHITE FLOWERS" - soothed by an encounter with nature

White flowers crystallised on green
branches gracefully arched over
that wallowing sorry drain near
a rubbish heap that weaves
stale despondency into the air
Round the corner the construction site
in mindless arrogance puffs out smoke
and dust that choke the air
But somehow your sweet frangrance
hovers in mid air like a spell
so one who ventures near enough
may sense above the smoke and stench
the soothing perfume of your scent
gentle persuasion
amidst wilful destruction

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