Tree List Poem by Talvikki Ansel

Tree of the musky pods split open,
of almond-shaped leaflets, taut skin,
the Cooper's Hawk picking off a fat pigeon
in the bank parking lot,
tree of bread, tree of milk crates
out back of the restaurant,
tree of the bakery, of the academy of dance
of the skeleton in the chiropractor's office,
tree of sugar, tree of protein.

Monkey Puzzle
Tree of the don't come near, reserve,
it is better so. Tree of the gesture
on a deserted beach, tree of the unforgettable,
of the tiled roof and teapot in the pantry window,
tree of the private greenhouse, of the new haircut,
the sculpture garden,
of confusion and response,
of the car ride, tree of the stick pin.

Olive
Tree of the snow-white villa, tree of the blackbird,
of ox blood, of corn popped over a fire,
tree of warm boulders, of sleep in sun. [End Page 30]

Loquat
Tree of the sphinx moth, tree of peaches,
tree of lips, tree of the T-shirt drawer overflowing.

Sycamore
Tree of the twelve-inch wide handspan, tree of low-
lying areas, cows in grass by the creek, tree
of the pond-sized shadow, tree of coons in the tree,
tree of rain coming some day, tree of the sound
of running water, tree of the umbrella
and person dancing under it.

Eucalyptus
Tree of the golden halo
on the capsule, of the crescent leaves.

Oak
Tree of the mistletoe, the juggler, tree of the robin
with the berry stuck on its bill,
tree of the good host, the red wine,
of the travelling berry wiped off
on furrowed bark, tree of the seed germinating,
the rhizome, tree of the heart,
tree of the keel.