Pith and Tar

Of Pith and Tar

Leaves are burning, bleeding and turning
their insides all running out
I see the fires of forests churning
before the Lorax can shout

Towers and spires are pouring out gas
clouds tumbling over skies on the lake
students seem to be crying during Sunday mass
angry about their fathers being fake

The bushes had a dream one time
a future that could have been bright
but the bells have all begun to chime
waking them up in the chaos of this blistering night

I heard that there used to be hope
that somewhere in time there was a stitch
but I guess we missed the boat
because the roots are all drowning in black pitch

Pith and tar
gone so far
can't see the light of day

Bled so much
from devil's touch
nothing left but to pray

sorrows of the fir
the birch and the oak
heaven can't help anymore
because of the golden rules we broke

Pith and tar
lasting scar
can't believe we did this

Pith and tar
the land we marred
no more nature's bliss

my maiden had a kiss for me
but she left it under guard
protected by a juniper tree
one that is splintered and charred

So much for future
so little left to have to hold
the world tried to care and nurture
but all we had was coal and gold

the mountains are all felled
the valleys under tar and fires
we praised false gods and yelled
but all we are in truth are liars
Copyright © | Year Posted 2005

Poem

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment

Kendrick Avatar
March 31, 2011 at 11:09 AM
Congratulations on being featured this week..Sara
George   Avatar
March 29, 2011 at 4:06 AM
SENSATIONAL! John. So profound and powerful with a punch of truth at the end that can knock you out. Many congrats on this feature of the week. Elaine
Brown Avatar
March 28, 2011 at 5:21 AM
Congratulations on your well deserved featured poem this week. Love, Carol
Get a Premium Membership
Turn off ads, get more exposure for your poetry, and get more features with a Premium Membership.
Book: Diverse Voices: The Poetry of Human Rights and the Pursuit of Peace