for Judi Bari
Hello old friends, it’s been many years
Ere I walked among ye, towering
Duffy mulch absorbs each step
Woods burl with life emerging
Here, warless warriors born before the Crusades
Bear regal witness to the graceless masquerade
Of new and newer holocausts. Omipotent hum
Of chains saw your wisdom
Establish greed’s dominion
Profits über alles; Let me touch your skin
And not possess it, kiss your ancient lips, spill
My memories skyborne into your arms
Hear your silence slap the buzzing air
Fingers blazing with contempt
And join your final stand. At last
To soar among ye, towering.