‘Forests’ if you please (with audio)

“Forests” If You Please           17 July 2021

	Woodland, just say it aloud:
	wo͝od′lənd, with occluding schwa,
	its heavy erasure, ravenous
	as industrious machinery
	ripping trees from land.

	’Woods’ and ‘Woodland’
	for forests--to the trees
	what is more despicable?
	That your social world,
	the universe around you,
	should ever be so named
	for the use of your body,
	of your flesh under skin?
	”Abominable name!” “Accursed!”
	shout the trees in protest.

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