Cherry Tree in August

The cherry tree in August squats in the yard.
Its leaves hang without fruit or flower or breeze.

Other trees stand taller, stand out.
Oak trees tower, as if the backyard were still forest.

Black locusts threaten to fall in the storm.
 Mimosa and pawlonia bloom this time of year.

Only the easily scarred bark betrays  
the cherry tree in August.

           Grosvenor


This was the future.
Towers rose
in shades of grey
metal glass and concrete
above the boxwood
and evergreen grass.

Come inside.
The future smells of curry,
collard greens,
and canned soup.
Its walls feel
chipped and greasy.
The future needs
fresh paint and new carpeting.

New tenants
enter the elevator,
their arms full of
chocolate-colored bedding,
polka dot pillows,
tinsel for a white Christmas.
It is their future now.