The Redwood, or A Tall Tale
An epic poem about the redwood forests of the Pacific Northwest.
I tell the story of the trees — that nameless Pacific coast — the gods of Nature — begin with that small tree
Book One: The War in the Sink
The forest floor — early planthood — Orus’ dream — LaVerne’s complaint — Do Mother Trees grow for the benefit of all? — They link the Hill to the Sink
Chapter Two: Oannes the Pacific Yew
Orus’s shade journeys to the Sink — He meets the Mother Tree there — a war ongoing between the banks — Orchard will not make a pact — Orus is sent to the royal advisor — The wise words of the Teacher
Chapter Three: Bostick the Valley Oak
Orchard schemes — his lord Bostick defects — Orus tricked — His rendezvous with Menzies the Madrone — What good is a conscience? — Menzies confronts Bostick
Chapter Four: Orchard the Canyon Live Oak
In spring the war renews — Lord Onion rallies his plants —The first wave — Orchard’s speech — the final waves — The fate of the Sink