Trees Green Like Money
by Matthew Dorrell

The sun fights through clouds
piecemeal and hazy
illuminating trees
like socks on display in a men's wear store -
25% off with any purchase.

Mist too is embattled.
Struggling against the surrounding air it
writhes and rises from the wet ground
as if from a smoke machine
echoing the clouds of smoke and
reflecting pulsating lights
in a busy nightclub.

Bending branches sway slightly
leaves fluttering in the breeze
like posters and signs
stapled to telephone poles
(advertising raves and
the art of bonsai trees)
flapping at passing pedestrians.

Ducks argue, shouting
back and forth across
a slightly rippling pond
in cool early morning.
They nearly bounce
bobbing on the rippling water
like the playboy bunnies' breasts
as she chirps toward the camera
on a Live! From the Beach! video
played so often

lines of static have become
etched into the scenery.

Matthew Dorrell can see for miles.