The roots The ground was soft with pine the sun forbade as nature came as mine in cedar d shade The air was thick and wet as spongy ground which bore the ingrained debt of footfall found The unknown now released of token wild hastened forth the beast from timid child The shoots Its paths have known my tread my quiet ease when late I rest my head by solemn trees I ve led processions in believers out When nature s calm begins one s left devout This pale remnant of its glories passed can still inspire love with dying last rot A rage at man s expanse at nature s loss as metal monsters dance with plastic gloss What s left behind is but a pale thought compared to future shut and past forgot A mockery is all that now remains The forest s fall of eldest reigns thought Yet paltry standing stick inspires still - before man s sprawling sickkk comes nature s will A single leaf gives shade beyond a roof The decimated glade remains aloof Of mighty green it s all that s left behind The silent leafy queen not brought to mind