In The Forest by Joseph Farley

photo by Joanne Olivieri

In The Forest

When men turn into trees

And roots grow from their toes

And burrow underground

In the place that they call home,

It is difficult to move

Even when ceilings fall

And walls cave in.

There they stay, rooted to the spot,

And can not run or walk

From the axe that cuts.

Even when the fire crackles

And the house is a blaze,

Though he looks to heaven,

Even yet he stays.