We are on trip through California these days and did not quite make it to Muir Woods, home of some old growth redwoods, but stopped at another park instead.
(This poem somehow migrated from 4/23. I haven't figured out how to put this back where it belongs.)
A Walk in the Woods
1.
We drove past miles of orchards to get here
from the Sacramento Valley, all those
regimented rows of trees ready
to feed us. Why do we prefer these random,
fruitless giants to those willing servants?
2.
The Samuel P. Taylor State Park is named
after a paper mill baron who destroyed
the old growth forest. Next thing you know,
they will have a George Armstrong Custer
Native American Museum.
3.
The sign says redwoods have extensive but
shallow roots, so they can grow for centuries
or topple in a moment. Younger trees grow
in the soil and sunlight left by the fallen.
4.
We pose beside the trees
like all tourists do
to prove we were here
and show how small we are.
5.
The forest path is unblazed.
When we reach a fork, at first
we choose to climb toward bird
and stream song. Later, as we
tire, we turn downhill and descend
toward the sound of traffic.
6.
They call one nearly hollow redwood
“The Family Tree.” The children gather
there to look up through the holes
and branches to see the sky.
It seems higher when there’s
something reaching for it.
7.
Couples get married
in the group picnic area.
They are supposed to have
reservations but not about
each other.
8.
The Samuel P. Taylor State Park
now has Wi-Fi, provided by
AT&T. Have the redwoods
friended the Douglas Fir,
or did they do that
long ago?
9.
Muir Woods is more famous
since John, unlike Samuel,
saved the old growth trees,
but this park is less crowded
more personal
and it’s good to see
some mistakes
can be forgiven.
Note: I am aware that some experts on redwoods might be reading this, so I welcome corrections of any factual errors. This poem is my quick take on some first impreesions and not a scientically researched piece.
(This poem somehow migrated from 4/23. I haven't figured out how to put this back where it belongs.)
A Walk in the Woods
1.
We drove past miles of orchards to get here
from the Sacramento Valley, all those
regimented rows of trees ready
to feed us. Why do we prefer these random,
fruitless giants to those willing servants?
2.
The Samuel P. Taylor State Park is named
after a paper mill baron who destroyed
the old growth forest. Next thing you know,
they will have a George Armstrong Custer
Native American Museum.
3.
The sign says redwoods have extensive but
shallow roots, so they can grow for centuries
or topple in a moment. Younger trees grow
in the soil and sunlight left by the fallen.
4.
We pose beside the trees
like all tourists do
to prove we were here
and show how small we are.
5.
The forest path is unblazed.
When we reach a fork, at first
we choose to climb toward bird
and stream song. Later, as we
tire, we turn downhill and descend
toward the sound of traffic.
6.
They call one nearly hollow redwood
“The Family Tree.” The children gather
there to look up through the holes
and branches to see the sky.
It seems higher when there’s
something reaching for it.
7.
Couples get married
in the group picnic area.
They are supposed to have
reservations but not about
each other.
8.
The Samuel P. Taylor State Park
now has Wi-Fi, provided by
AT&T. Have the redwoods
friended the Douglas Fir,
or did they do that
long ago?
9.
Muir Woods is more famous
since John, unlike Samuel,
saved the old growth trees,
but this park is less crowded
more personal
and it’s good to see
some mistakes
can be forgiven.
Note: I am aware that some experts on redwoods might be reading this, so I welcome corrections of any factual errors. This poem is my quick take on some first impreesions and not a scientically researched piece.
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