Trees, Buffalo and Lily Roots

I spent all morning atop this tree hacking away at its defenseless branches, something expected of us average home owners. Neighbors walk by and we share comments and smiles of self approval. The neighborhood is definitely looking better! I work on purposely, relentlessly cutting and shaping from low branches to high, seeming without care, but really without honor. I cut each lifeless, leafless limb and rationalize, the tree is dormant, the sap is not flowing yet. I snip and hack and think of what I have read of Native people. Whether cutting reeds or killing buffalo they apologized and made a commitment to use all they had gained completely. I look at the large pile of branches I've made and think, the apology is easy but what can I do with the pile besides the rubbish bin? A small act lacking in thought and commitment added to millions like myself. As I hack away I reflect that there is no one left to speak for trees and buffalo and lily roots and that we have gone far beyond apology.