When I turned fifty four
my daughter said to me
Good gracious dad
You're as old as a tree.

Gross insubordination
no respect for my age
so I gave her the wisdom
of this pulpy old sage

Us old trees can make buildings
out of two by four sticks
You hardly have the supply
for a box of toothpicks

As old pines we are mighty
used for telephone poles
Your not big enough yet
to make termite holes

Our elms provide respite
of cool summer shade.
You couldn't block the wind
an old braggart made.

My time tested power is
proportional to my rings.
You would snap in a storm
like tattered shoestrings.

I've built forts and houses,
been carved into boats.
You couldn't make the tail
of a termite's coats.

We are hewn into beams
and old oaken floors.
Welcome a mansion's guests
through magnificent doors.

I've sailed the high seas
holding billowing sails
and lay beneath the steel
of America's rails

I could go on forever
'bout the use of old trees.
But I know you're tired of hearing
this old geezer wheeze.

Just remember the granduer
and all of the good
that you have coming
from this old piece of wood.

So send me a nice card
or a happy valentine.
It might be extra work
for an uncle of mine.

I've let my sap drip
reminiscing about me
but it's my birthday,
come and hug this old tree.

Save my kids-send e-mail.
Ask for plastic...not paper.