While classic symbolism’s long been held
for art produced in oil, words, and notes,
I saw, I read, I heard and I rebelled.
I argued only ignorance devotes
itself to elementary attitude,
like woman is the moon and man the sun.
To claim all forests dangerous is crude,
and meadows can’t be right for everyone.

My birthday is in winter. I like cold,
and all my life I’ve been in love with trees.
I’m not afraid of darkness. Though I’m told
by epics forests make calamities,
I comprehend myth’s fearful origin,
and I’ll take terpenes, shade and oxygen.