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Written for National Poetry Month: 4/13/15

 

Shall I fail another test waiting for results?

 

I’ll shelter

Underneath branches

-strength tested

the whisper of leaves

growing from a seductive tickle

to a roar mighty

loud and exclamatory –

I AM NOT A TREE!

– it shouted.

Of course you’re not –

(I know that).

-Was just pretending.

You are a Bird

with blue wings

calling through the jungle –

heavy the heat.

More of you are calling now,

filling the sky

– dark thunder,

duplicating voice –

I”M NO TA BIRD!

Yes, thank you –

another mistake

along, with, this, embarrassing, misuse, of, commas,

I see now,

a Honeybee.

DO NOT CALL ME A HONEYBEE!

you zing, but all I hear is

“Buzz, buzz, buzz,” as you

loop angrily

beating your chest.

(Oh, GOD! That chest!)

Shirtless the brawny

mountain cliff.

The whole jungle shakes

as nostrils flare –

(Darling, the small frightened animals!)

Avalanche!

as the entire mountain range

rushes forward,

I dance in the quake

as you pound your fist

into the ground –

ME NO GORILLA!

Of course not (I giggle).

You tickle my ear.

I love you –

I know who you are.

You are a Tree.