Ode to the Hawthorn Hedge

Along a sagging barbed-wire fence

the hawthorn hedge grows wide and wild

— its thorns can puncture soles, stab flesh

tear clothing, flatten tractor tires

but insects feed on the pungent flowers

and birds feed on the haw —

small creatures hide and rest, build nests

within the entangled branches

— botanically designed protection

as if ramparts of well-defended castles.

... Yes, celebrate the hawthorn hedge

but don’t forget — not all trees are huggable!