Hello Tree
(A Villanelle)
By Shaun Johnson

If I were a tree, I’d be 10 feet tall
The perfect height where everyone could see me
I’d have branches that could touch anything at all

I’d have a religion against any kind of saw
I’d sway in the wind and practice tai-chi
If I were a tree, I’d be 10 feet tall

I bet you’ve never seen a strong tree fall
I’d live by the ocean or maybe the sea
I’d have branches that could touch anything at all

Life would be grand, singing and talking to the sea gulls
I’d be cautious and ask Paul Bunyan to tea
If I were a tree, I’d be 10 feet tall

Watch the leaves change and tidal waves crawl
Could you imagine how fun this would be?
I’d have branches that could touch anything at all

But when the axe man comes, I’d stall
Because he has no respect for a beautiful tree
If I were a tree, I’d be 10 feet tall
I’d have branches that could touch anything at all

Contact: JohSha17@Evergreen.edu