[Paula Fernandez]

REVISION 2--Pentameter this time (I think)

Nature Takes her Bow

Come see Nature tamed in Chicago’s north ‘burbs--
diverse species of trees queue up by the curbs,
vibrant blooms rest in mulch beds fluffed and rounded,
our manicured lawns by iron fences are bounded.
We’ve pruned the kingly oak’s shimmering crown
to pass electric lines to light the town.
Nature here has been completely overthrown:
her generals chained, her ground troops one-inch mown.

But wait! What’s this? A dandelion clock--
its fluffy head turned like a lollipop.
Now down the street that rascal Katie goes.
She plucks the clock with feral smile and blows!
Like that, her ambush by this wild child sprung,
Nature sticks out her wicked yellow tongue.


REVISION 1.1

Northshore Warzone

Come breathe the peace in Chicago’s suburbs
where birch, ash, and elm queue up next the curbs.
Our blooms rest in mulch beds fluffed and rounded,
our manicured lawns by fences are bounded.
We’ve pruned the kingly oak’s shimmering crown
to pass electric lines to light the town.
Nature here is completely overthrown:
her generals chained, her ground troops one-inch mown.

But wait! What’s this? A dandelion clock--
its fluffy head turned like a lollipop.
Now down the street that rascal Katie goes.
She plucks the clock with feral smile and blows!
Like that, her ambush by this wild child sprung,
Nature sticks out her wicked yellow tongue.



ORIGINAL VERSION

How tidy! How clean! This wealthy suburb--
birch, ash, and elm aligned along the curb--
our trees tucked in mulch beds fluffed and rounded,
next to manicured lawns by fences surrounded.
We’ve pruned the kingly oak’s shimmering crown
to pass electric lines to light the town.
Nature, here, is completely overthrown--
her generals chained; her ground troops one-inch mown.

But wait! What’s this? A dandelion clock--
its fluffy head turned like a lollipop.
Now down the street our neighbor, lil’ Katie, goes.
She plucks that clock with feral smile and blows!
Like that, her ambush by this wild child sprung,
Nature sticks out her wicked yellow tongue.