The Modern Curse The chickory has sprouted blue cornflower The grass has long soft flaxen heads I could spray the tall dried weeds In different colours I plan Or drip them into liquid plastic To keep their burgandy coat But then ..the ozone layer is harmed And the results are non-biodegradable The priceless treasures in the fields Next to the business complex grow wild Under the noisy Pearson Airport And hovering-towering above me A tree ...is talking loud and clear Babbling about something I can't quite hear So...I stand in front of it And like Michelangelo to his Marble Moses I demand "Speak" Growing dark to black Against the setting sky blues and greys pinks and reds streaking into the clouds What is your message Naked branches -one broken Partially clad in green -and mottled Where are the other leaves I hadn't seen Summer has come But too much of it is dead Are you the lesson On productivity -the fig tree Old age and diminished capacity Or do you speak Of the warning signs How industry plays havoc with its seeping sewage Causing toxic damage to your once copious oak tree!