Spoil

The lumberman loves God & his fellow man.
My father squirms in his periodic
brotherly hugs.
I’m sure we’ll find a way around
this little misunderstanding. I’m a nature-
lover too! But I believe Man was given
dominion over the earth-& it would be
a crime to leave these trees.
You sure put up a Hell of a fight
but I like you, Bruce.
(Another hug.)

My father takes careful notes
& has me along for a legal witness
or bodyguard. I follow silently
through the woods in combat boots.

When we stop again the lumberman eyes
my unkempt hair & beard.
These trees are overmature–
he spreads his arms wide–
they WANT to be cut.