Hackberry

Great hackberry, you have died

Upon my backyard, you spied

Neighbor Jimmy replaced his fence

His men drove polls hence

Two taproots were struck

Whether stupidity or bad luck

Like Titanic, you went quick

Turned black, with bare limbs thick

He promises to have you cut

Yet your fierce antlers still jut

Oh well, the memories fond

Daughter fairies waved their wands

They frolicked in your shade

On a swingset, Daddy made

I don’t mind your slow crumble

Ignore my occasional grumble

Hackberry, take your time

Yet the birds will not sit and chime

Your limbs are too unstable

Please don’t crush Jimmy’s gable