tree

by Paul Cholewa - Virgo

I swung the old axe in a large, circular motion
and struck it
several inches above the ground.
it's highest and most delicate branches trembled,
and its green leaves shook.
I swung again and connected, solidly.
the knocking echoed
and I kept swinging the axe into that beautiful tree.
the sounds of birds was saddening.
I hit it again.
I hit it again.
it was defenseless,
and I hit it again.
now, with a terrible shudder from each blow of the axe,
the weakening tree stood.
there-
oh- there it proudly stood,
not fighting, not crying,
just looking at me
as I chopped and tore it apart 
with heavy swing after heavy swing,
hitting it again and again.
as the quiet forest watched
and as the wind blew with solace through it leaves,
I hit it again.
-then slowly, it leaned.
for a moment I looked into its gaping wound
and saw that it was still
looking at me
waiting for me
to finish what I had foolishly begun.

and so I did.
Birth sign: Virgo
Date created: 2000-09-18 18:24:47
Last updated: 2021-03-03 14:42:43
Poem ID: 57604

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