The plane tree sheds
It’s skin
Pollution peeled away
In layers
He’s flinging flakes
At barking dogs
And pigeons pecking
Fighting kids
And lovers’ blades

He sheds his skin
In handfuls
Big as houses
Slim as hope
Betraying beetles
In the dust
He’s bleating
Woody tears
Lie on the ground
Like empty cans

I shed my skin
Won’t let them in
Those prying ants
I shake them off
Their tickling feet
Disturb my scales

I’m shedding feelings
Shelling nuts
And dripping leaves
And pouring guts
Admitting sin
And selling needs
I’m shutting up

And shedding skin