i.
here we go round the sequoia tree, the sequoia tree, the sequoia tree
here we go round
here we go

ii.
save the earth
save the what? the place of birth
for spiders we crush and flies we shoo
and trees we cut down too
recycle paper and use solar power, yes
but at the railroad sign
engine number nine
is vomiting its exhaust to get us places in less
time.

iii.
we
rush
to
save
everything
time space money electricity water the earth
the pandas

iv.
our laundry list of savings:
electric cars that use less gas
unplugged TVs and composted trash
a penny earned
two library books returned
and all we have saved ourselves is
money?
time?
trouble.
face.
nothing interrupts our humdrum pace
dutiful, like the fall of rain
Because look again:
we do nothing to inconvenience ourselves
continue digging those oil wells
just use a hybrid;
remind your kid
don't forget to recycle that pop can
the neighbors are watching, and
the recycling bin is closer, anyway.

v.
here we go round the sequoia tree
round and round we go
in circles, wasting the time we borrow
never helping you or me
or the tree