Letter to the Editor
Out my window
the ash and the Evergreen
stand side by side,
apart not more than five feet wide.
The big showy Ash full of plump white blossoms
and the tall spiky evergreen with bright new tips
decided nows the time to have Spring dips.
Strike up the band
A big wind come up
it was as if they were dancing
you know, the kind
where your partner
is out there in space, prancing.
Bowing deep swoops, flailing arms,
doing the bump
with imaginary charms.
This unlikely pair was ducking
and driving and swimmingly gay,
throwing kerchiefs then trotting away, only to sneak back in ambush mode
Boo! said the ash being made to explode.
Caught you unaware
match that if you dare.
Wind changes to the north
Ash taken back, stiffly said not so fast, Evergreen
your whiskers are tickling my scene.
Youre too loose, said the Sprucebe stately like me
Ya right said the Ash
as a freak whirlwind made them dash
into deliciously driven great circling swoops,
laughing round and round
like two old barstool poops,
then came to a hilarious stop,
shaking and quaking and rocking on top.
A little Ash next door seemed to say
Ill never act like that when I grow up someday.
Yes you will.
Now, not a word did they utter,
Not even a bird, just a shudder.
The wind decreased
Now theyre nodding and talking
Clapping their hands, occasionally stopping.
Otherwise, these two old friends
That had to get along,
Stand silently straight and respectfully strong
The Ash and the Evergreen, side by side,
Apart not more than five feet wide.
Barb Thorson
Invermere
