Raking the Forest with Donald Trump - Jodi Hottel

[Lawrence Robinson]

Raking the Forest with Donald Trump		

We each grab one of the rakes leaning 
against the barn and stride off into the woods, 
Donald looming in his dark suit, red tie, 
me in jeans and hiking boots.

I marvel at his perfect coif, itching 
to touch it, to touch on climate too, 
but reluctant to mar the peace, warm fall day,
the crunch of twigs underfoot. 

We march for at least ten minutes, 
then he pauses, leans on his rake, 
says he’s heard they do this in Finland.
They have no fires— so great. 

Then he pulls on the handle with vigor, 
tines scratching duff. I think,
We all have a part in this and throw my back 
into the rhythm, get a good-sized pile going. 

We work side-by-side for at least 
five minutes. When I glance up,
he’s gazing at his phone, clearly 
done for now. I have to ask how this 

is going to be sufficient— isn’t there
more that can be done. So true, he agrees.
Massive amounts of water not being utilized.
Bad environmental laws, he tweets. 

	- Jodi Hottel

December 2018, written after Donald Trump visited Paradise, CA 
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