Sequoia

Born to a land unspoiled and free
The mighty sequoia was on the ascendancy
Ancient elders stood erect and proud
Free from threats to pierce a cloud

Out of nowhere came a destructive presence
Little creatures with a cold, dark luminescence
So naive to think I’d thrive forever
Not anticipating this new dawn of endeavour

They tunnelled through a living tree
Without any care for his dignity
A gaping hole in a living creature
Then they drove machines through their latest feature

I’ve seen great change, seen it all
Seen them rise and felt us fall
They now stand before me, danger’s afoot
A sense of inevitability as they deepen the cut

Suddenly, I begin to tilt and sway
Never to see another earthly day
Then I creak, crack and splinter
This old giant has had his final winter

My brothers and sisters silently scream
Man has taken me down, a familiar theme
They have risen to conquer this vast frontier
Now I’ve sadly succumbed to the tip of their spear