The Trees

Poemata XXI

“The Trees,” he said, “they are at war;”
"To crush, consume and e'er-enshade"
"They strive with arms forevermore;"
And any response to this forbade.
Across the field, a shadow'd wall
A verdant fortress rose in sight
Though only was its movement slight
Of leaf and twig in breeze so small;
"When this fact they truly knew"
"And found in them one alike,"
"Of old our own a treaty drew."
And then his palms did quickly strike;
The sound past clapping fell to wind
As roof-tiles fell on stony ground
Made a piercing, sudden sound
And silence came back, rushing in;
"And swore to keep these hidden things,"
"Made wood which fights the Earth with ease"
"Their own for war, alone it brings"
"Its might to them, Men of the Trees."