Hello! How are you?

Absolutely splendid,
Got nothing to do!

So you’ve come to the forest to look at the view?

There’s nothing better to do in glamorous Guam,
Just look at the trees,
They’re perfectly calm.

Which do you like best?
Maple, oak, birch or palm?

I like all trees equally,
Can’t you see!
Gorgeous, graceful,
It’s amazing they’re free!

Enjoy it while it lasts,
I have a chainsaw with me.

No!

Yes.
Deforestation’s the key.

Please!
My love for this tree,
Goes back to age three!
It’s a hundred years old,
You have to let it be!

This tree has a disease, a disaster I foresee.

Don’t you dare!
How big is your cheque?
I’ll tie myself up,
And let the woodpeckers peck.

Don’t be silly, I could make one with tech!

Technology?  That’s beside the point.
Destroying this tree would make the whole forest disjoint!
The fragrant smell is aromatic, and bold!
Captivating attention whether warm or cold.

Move.
Or I’ll call the police.

Mesmerizing, miraculous, you’ll destroy the peace!
What if there were no trees?
How would we breathe?

Forget that!
I can use it for Christmas,
The lights, the wreath!

You can’t possibly destroy
Such a natural joy.
Look at the leaves!
They glisten with fame!
Knocking it down would put you to shame.

It’s horribly overgrown!

Fit for a throne!
It’s taller than me!
Listen to the sound,
The leaves rattle with glee!
Charming, fragrant, distinctive and divine,

Colossally massive,
The sun can’t even shine!
A disaster’s on its way,
It’s toweringly tall!
When the beast collapses,
Just picture the fall!

Not much of a beast,
It’s more of a king,
The brown bark is gentle,
Imagine the rings!

You’re irking me,
I’ll come back at three.

Then I’ll tie myself up,
And make you believe!
This tree is wiser than both you and me,
More than sophisticated; pristine and pretty!

Drop it!
You must let it go.
This tree is dead!
No room to grow.

Ancient and dormant although it may be,
With elegance and vibrancy,
I must disagree.
So no! Never! I will NOT let you do,
This horrible act that should be taboo.
Precious, nurturing,
I adore this tree so,
I’ll stand here forever,
I will not let go.

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This poem won the 2018 Albert Shaw Poetry Prize, alongside my sonnet, Owls at Night. Thank you to the University of Waterloo for helping to recognize my creative potential, and the creative writing professors that inspired work like this to come out of class. Forever grateful.