if i have a nature
it is the eucalyptus forests of california,
of portugal. the forest whose burning
seeds and bark fly like spittle from
the mouth of a rabid raccoon.

if i have a nature
it is the trees in central park
living on a token plot in a
jungle of someone else’s design.

if i have a nature
it is the evergreen that
chokes on holly, smothered
by the weight of its peers.

but nature is always changing.

and so, if i have a nature
it is a conifer heaving a gasp and another
despite the hands at its throat.
it is the grass growing in the cracks of
the concrete jungle, reclaiming its home.
it is the flower, clawing through the ash
of those who came before
to turn and face the sun

if i have a nature
it is dreaming
it is pleading
it is vowing
alongside the germinating green

Upright. Upright.