New Zealand Pines

John Vanderslice

Golden gate park
We walked our Mondays there
Safe inside our replica

They have a garden there
Where climates of the world
Are laid out on a walking tour

You were my proof
You were my wetsuit
I will be okay
If I can keep
The things I love at bay

Winter light
Falls through south America
Onto New Zealand pines

Ranger locked the gates
I took cover under
The dead wood and fragrant vines

You were my proof
You were my wetsuit
I will be okay
If I can keep
The things I love at bay