flames lick the trees

as they scream for help

they are so young,

their stems still green.

what will you do

when they notice you

among the ash and dust?

what will you do

when they see you

with a lighter in your hand?

you, their ally.

you, their friend.

you, their family.

will you tell them

that the pay check

was just too perfect

to pass up?

i hope you do,

they deserve

to know the reason.

i hope you know

that they were

still so young.

their stems still green.

and they are screaming,

screaming at you,

was it worth it?