Amid abandoned railroad tracks,

Concrete ubiquity, and iron kingdom,

Wild weeds grow tall and erect

On New York’s High Line.

Standing proudly as warriors,

This green battalion fights its gray foe,

Portending its army’s endurance, longevity,

And ultimate underdog triumph

Over city’s suppressive tendencies.

When the industrial empire falls,

And NYC relegated an urban legend,

Nature will reign freely,

Covering Times Square,

Occupying Wall Street,

Starring on Broadway,

With the tallest tree titled king.

Suppressed, yet invigorated,

Leaf beats rock, paper, steel,

In an eventual victory.

-Robin Cohen