Trees of Heaven by Joan McNerney

Photo by Joanne Olivieri


Trees of Heaven

Those are tough trees
growing in slums.

With no need of rich soil
or pruning, they rise
in abandoned lots.

These are trees that
survive rubbish, rodents
noxious chemicals.

Not  easily cut down, 
they stand against
gaunt tenements.
Climbing skyward,
delicate palm leaves
flourish flowering pods.

Trees of Heaven give
children glimpses of bright
emerald each morning.

Stars play peek-a-boo
between their branches
through long nights.
Who has said a taste of
paradise is only for the rich?

BIO: Joan McNerney’s poetry has been included in numerous literary magazines such as Seven Circle Press, Dinner with the Muse, Moonlight Dreamers of Yellow Haze, Blueline, and Halcyon Days.  Three Bright Hills Press Anthologies, several Poppy Road Review Journals, and numerous Kind of A Hurricane Press Publications have accepted her work.  Her latest title is Having Lunch with the Sky and she has four Best of the Net nominations. 

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