Hedera

I like Ivy when it's very small
Growing on the garden wall
Under control in the right place
Covering up a barren space

Walking in our beautiful dene
Or down beside the brook
I suddenly became aware
Of alien growth arboreal look

Trees that once looked beautiful
Are all changed beyond repair
From root right  up to canopy
A green devil hanging there

The hedera's climbing everywhere
Growing all year round
Covering beautiful foliage
Its ugliness so profound

Obscuring silver birch and native yew
Not a parasite they say
It does not damage our trees
But it certainly looks that way