Desolation

I told the trees to run

But they didn’t stand a chance

I told the trees to run

To repel a forward advance

I told them not to speak

But silently stand their ground

I told them not to blink an eye

Not to make a sound

I could hear the men approaching

Their weapons at the ready

I could see my friends so gallant, tall

And then I heard them felled and fall

There were sobs and screams and muffled sighs

They didn’t know today they’d die

My heart was breaking

My soul was aching

These giants who had done no harm

Suddenly knew cause for alarm

They weren’t forewarned

They weren’t consulted

But viciously attacked, 

  relentlessly assaulted    

No regard for how old they were

Whether pine or whether fir

All these trees just wanted to do

Was to provide shade and shelter

For me and for you