"Lost Brother"

            I originally read this poem from the perspective of the author and about half way through realized it made more sense coming from the perspective of a tree. So I began the poem over again thinking of it this way instead. I believe that was how it was intended to be read. 4,862 years old and in a matter of minutes, cut down, completely destroyed. The beauty of nature is so magnificent and to throw it away like that can be so angering! Yes, some argue we have to get our paper from somewhere. But I argue that the world we’re living in, the only planet equipped to sustain life, is not going to support us forever. And we’re only shorting that time period by abusing and wasting its precious resources. The colon in the middle of this poem was placed there to help the reader visualize the surroundings this tree had lived its life in for so many years. Then came a set of dashes, separating the wildlife from the rest of the surroundings. The habit of these creatures was being cut down, utterly destroyed. Where were they to live now? Some species described in this section were unfamiliar to me. The pink mountain pennyroyal is a flower used to create a remedy that gives clarity of mind and blocks negative energies. Ironic? Quite possibly. The white angelica is another plant described in the surrounding of this tree that can be used to create oil which calms, sooths and encourages feelings of protection and security. Hmmmm, this was not just a coincidence. The author specifically chose these plants to communicate the exact opposite feelings present in a situation like this one. Overall, I really liked this poem and enjoyed how the author communicated his point of view.