Whose Forest

I recently attended a workshop in which participants were asked to read a poem and write a response poem. The facilitator provided several books of poetry for us to look through, but I did not need a reference. I chose to respond to a poem I memorized in school. I can still recite it today, and it served as a model for today’s offering.

Whose woods these were, I thought I knew
but forest protections are suddenly few.
The trees are felled and laid in stacks
as hikers and campers are feeling blue. 

So strike your tents and fill your packs
as you burden your horses with haversacks.
Seek out a hotel up there in town,
Find all the comforts that wilderness lacks.

Forget the woods, don't wear a frown,
Swim in the pool, but please don't drown.
Eat great food at a place with five stars. 
Don a tuxedo or a fancey gown. 

Our city has bistros and fancy bars.
You'll be seranaded by electric guitars.
Where you can dance among the stars
Where you can dance among the stars. 

Here is another of my poems inspired by a poem.