tree sallows

My brother tried to plant 2,000 trees

each spring.  Eventually there were 13

cut-your-own Christmas tree varieties.

…

While helping mow the grass, swallows were seen

around my noisy tractor darting, diving,

staying close wherever I would go.

…

I claimed the swallows felt the same strong love

I felt for trees, the sky, the clouds (although

in secret I thought they felt love for me.)

…

The tree farm had so many birds that experts

came out from the university.

I asked if the swallows had become pets?

…

The ornithologists said that the birds

were chasing bugs thrown by the mower’s blades…

– Steve Shoemaker, Urbana, IL May 22, 2012