If We Had Green Ears

If we had green ears the world would
Be a different place. We would
look to the earth and not towards space.

If we had green ears we would hear the
Trees scream. We would hear the
bending, rending grass in our dreams.

If we had green ears the life of a shrub
Young and wild would be as dear to
us as the life of a child.

If we had green ears we could hear
The sobbing birch and maple; but it would
be worthwhile if just to make a table.

If we had green ears we would cradle the
Sapling as a babe and never lop it off to
see a trail become paved.

If we had green ears we would love the
Ivy and the weeds for as they breath out into
our lungs the insect surely feeds.

If we had green ears the sounds would be
A roar, and never would we kill again,
no never... evermore.

1991