The Tree That Burns (1991)

Tree of earth and barren sod,

Scarred, charred hard by livid god--

Lightning clawed from gnawed, mawed skies;

Good wood withstood ire-fired eyes.

What prim, trim trees will you sire?

Damned root and branch blanch the pyre!

In pith and flame, your venom churns:

What fate awaits the Tree that burns?

Man of Earth and scorched sod,

Homeless, alone with none but God--

Wet dry lips with flask of Reason;

Warm cool thoughts in hapless season.

What gut gutted, brags and squirms?

Stoked bole, once split--gags woodworms!

Vain, vexed visions foiled, coil and roil:

What weed's seeds grow in dead, red soil?

True wisdom stems from rotted things:

Trees reborn, shadow wisest kings.