Earth Day

this Spring
there are so many unhappy trees
twisting in pain
thrown to cold ground
gang-stormed by a heartless Winter

those left upright try in vain
to pull pale green shawls
around once proud limbs
to hide their shame and scars

many not harmed
by ravages of weather
have succumbed to violation
by Power-Mad pruners

persons who must be hired
based solely on their ability
to fail an artistic aptitude test

truncated trunks cower quietly
stumped branches raised in supplication
in an effort to hold off
the next well intentioned attack