Pine Tree in Spring (for Leon Damas) by Chinua Achebe

Pine tree

flag bearer

of green memory

across the breach of a desolate hour Loyal tree

that stood guard

alone in austere emeraldry over Nature's recumbent standard pine tree

lost now in the shade of traitors decked out flamboyantly marching back unabashed to the colors they

betrayed Fine tree

erect and trustworthy

what school can teach me your silent, stubborn fidelity?