Plea for Reconsideration

Public figures we are:

Tall and poised we stand,

Sentries of common and uncommon domiciles.

Although we have both passed the century mark,

We are strong, willing & eager

To live at least a century more.

We have no birth certificates at town hall,

No social security numbers,

Or drivers’ licences.

‘Lest you think we are passing the hat

At this holy time of year,

Fear not the bells of charity mongers!

All we ask is sun, rain and good drainage,

And at least another hundred years-

You see—I am an ash tree and my friend 2 streets away

Is a maple.

RDB

12/17/1995
published in ProJo South County section