Mark Vernon Thomas
Sycamores in Britain
Tudors maybe—
or was it Romans?
brought them over
put their practical
beauty to work
turning and joining
cabinet making
musical instruments
spoons and bowls
now we call them
invasive species
opportunistic
taking up space from
native inhabitants
how long does it take
an immigrant
to become a native—
500 years? 2000?—
no more invasive
than nettles or relatives
much less invasive than
old Charley who leans in
that little bit too close
with his beer breath
Brexit talk
he says we had no choice
says overrun
says keep them out
no matter the cost says
go back where you came from
and now on my way home
sheltering from rain
beneath generous cover
the palmate leaves of
sycamore trees
I think
everyone and everything
came from somewhere else
I think
even the land we stand on