Like antlers, like veins of the brain, the birches
Mark patterns of mind on the red winter sky;
'I am thought of all plants, 'says the Green Man,
'I am thought of all plants,'says he.

The hungry birds harry the last berries of rowan
But white is her bark in the darkness of rain;
'I rise with the sap, 'says the Green Man,
'I rise with the sap,'says he.

The Alders are rattling as though ready for battle
Guarding the grove where she waits for her lover;
'I burn with desire, 'says the Green Man,
'I burn with desire, 'says he.

In and out of the yellowing wands of the willow
The pollen-bright bees are plundering the catkins;
'I am honey of love, 'says the Green Man,
'I am honey of love, 'says he.

The hedges of quick are thick with May blossom
As the dancers advance on the leaf-covered King:
'It's off with my head, 'says the Green Man'
'It's off with my head, 'Says he.

Green Man becomes grown man in flames of the oak
As it's crown forms his mask and it's leafage his features;
'I speak through the oak, 'says the Green Man
'I speak though the oak, 'say he.

The holly is flowering as hayfields are rolling
Their gleaming long grasses like waves of the sea;
'I shine with the sun, 'says the Green Man,
'I shine with the sun, 'says he.

      ~William Anderson, The Green Man