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As the willow softly whispers
Words of wisdom in the wind,
I lay against the tree and wonder
What was seen by leaf and limb.

Firm it stood in time long past
Before the days of here and now.
In field, forgotten and alone,
It stood untouched by saw and plow.

Buildings tall and streets of tar,
Stand around where once was bare;
'Tis only I who will come by
And pay the willow thought or care.

It won't be long when I'll be gone;
The willow once again will stand
Alone to keep its vigil, silent--
Unnoticed by the changing land.

Copyright © 1996 by Randal A. Burd, Jr.

Publications: Abilene, TX: Of Sunlight and Shadows, Creative Arts & Science Enterprises, 1996

Achievement of Merit, Creative Arts & Science Enterprises, Contest #5, September-October 1996

Author's Note: Poems viewed here are the latest versions and are not necessarily word-for-word as published.