He counts the coins with calloused thumbs
Quercus robur shades the booth
Each axle hum a rhythm comes
Roots remember winter's truth
Toll booth botany grows wild
Asclepias splits the concrete tile
He classifies each passing car
By the pollen on their grill and tar
Drive-in screen wears lichen grey
Sambucus nigra claims the rows
Where speakers rusted died away
Now elderflower scents the shows
His ledger blooms with Latin names
Taxus baccata guards the gate
No receipt for winding frames
Just seasons turning moderately late
Toll booth botany grows wild
Asclepias splits the concrete tile
He classifies each passing car
By the pollen on their grill and tar
Ficus benjamina drops its leaves
Inside the booth where no one believes
He photosynthesizes exhaust and time
Chlorophyll rhythm reason rhyme
Morning breaks the toll gate arm
Ulmus americana spreads her crown
No alarm no urgent alarm
Just growth rings marking distance down
Toll booth botany grows wild
Asclepias splits the concrete tile
He classifies each passing car
By the pollen on their grill and tar
Engine idles radio plays
Roots hold fast in sodium haze
