The London Plane In Autumn

City-dweller, indifferent to its site, It thrives where other trees give up the fight Against the traffic fumes and air pollution; Its attractive flaking bark, the solution. With golden leaves, five-pointed just like maple, This is the urban tree of choice, the staple. Like Christmas baubles swinging in the breeze The seed-heads hang uniquely from these trees. Camouflage bark – an alien from Mars ! Amid the shopping trolleys and parked cars, In Waitrose car park standing all alone, Oblivious to this “No-parking” zone. It stands with mottled cream, grey and olive uniform – A benign militia on guard through sun and storm.