by Coleman Glenn

“Stinky but handsome and widely popular landscape trees have spawned aggressive invaders,
creating thickets that overwhelm native plants and sport nasty four-inch spikes.”
—AP News

So, yes, it has spikes that could skewer a possum,
Like fangs from an oversized viper.
And true, every seemingly innocent blossom
Spreads stench like an overripe diaper.
And granted, its canopy, blocking the light,
Kills indigenous trees in our city.
And it breeds like a weed. And it’s murder to fight.
On the other hand—isn’t it pretty?