ACT I

She said 
trees cry

I yelled,
raised the ax

Demanded 
bear fruit
or else

Amid tears I hear
a faint yes

You speak
on their behalf?
I ask

To which she begets
her first leaves

ACT II

I once chopped down a pear tree,
and from its wood, ripped planks for a floor

Over time the floor took root in the earth,
grew to bear fruit, fine pears all around

From the one tree
grew seven

ACT III

She writes the eggs 
with ancient designs, amulets on shells,
and hangs one on each branch, of each tree

ACT IV

She checks the covered pot of cream
and sees that the spider she placed there has built a web,
a good omen, so she calls the place Home

ACT V

With the yellow flowers of early spring,
she weaves garlands as headdress for 
all the horned animals, and parades them
about as a harbinger for all good things

cc: Michael 2022