Green Sky

The trees today are really very pretty.
They hang green leaves against a clear blue sky
And ornament the splendor of the city
In which their soul of nature yet must vie
With man's invention, and its heart of steel
Which pumps its warm blood out in steam and smoke
These, by contrast, merely stand. They seal
The mind off from the dangers that would choke
It up; they bring back joy, and cast
Bright shadows on men's souls. They knit
Us all together in our awe, bind fast
Our eyes and hearts. It is most fit
That we look up for God - since doing so
We see the beauty of his forests grow.