Island of Talking Trees

In a dream I was flown to an island of trees
where they did more than whisper and talked as they pleased.
And the voices of trees will forever remain
crystal clear in my mind and as personal gain.

On the shore spoke a Palm who was quite debonair
with a pleasant demeanor in ocean salt air.
“On behalf of the trees on this island at sea,
you are welcome to visit and talk with each tree.”

So I walked up the beach and regarded a Plum
who was cheery and asked me where I had come from.
As we ended our talk and I walked from the beach
I went inland and met a Corinthian Peach.

She was cordial and spoke with a velvety voice
and she showed me the paths yet let me make the choice.
So I opted for one with some Elms in a line
which then led me right up to a Bristle-cone Pine.

He was tall with the light of the sun on his head
and I felt very good by the things that he said.
“We are happy to have you converse in the wood
and we hope what we say is, in truth, understood.”

A Mimosa then asked me if I was okay
as a Silver Linden made sure he had his say.
A Pagoda Dogwood and a Stag-wood Sumac
uttered words of the kind that would welcome me back.

Even so as I turned I picked up on the cry
of a Willow who wept so I could not pass by.
“Tell me, why do you cry with the trees all around?”
And she said, “I shed tears for each tree that’s cut down.”

A Persimmon spoke softly yet carried it well
and a Blue Atlas Cedar had plenty to tell.
I was awed by the chat of an Ash and Hemlock
as a Ginkgo held sway for some Hickory talk.

They all bid me farewell and I waved at an Oak
who extended his branches as he soundly spoke:
“We enjoyed all the talk and we wish you the best,
from the Maple, Mulberry, and all of the rest.”

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