It’s rooted in Uncle Dent’s yard tall and stout
Proudly overlooking its South Georgia domain
Three generations have used it as a secret hideout
Through the years it has never failed to entertain

It is not just any old tree it is the family’s tree
Climbing it was easy it had great accessibility
The boy’s built a tree house in another tree
Holly couldn’t climb it, so there they could flee

There are no initials carved in this old friend
For its arms and limbs have sheltered the children
As they climbed and played their games of pretend
Now adults, the memories are recalled over and again

The tire swing and the worn-out trampoline springs
The white oak runner’s nest and its ultimate demise
The Spanish moss and the sounds of bird’s wings
The ability to avoid work and just sit and fantasize

The sandy soil underneath it is bare and well worn
Solid limbs as big around as a grown man’s chest
The weight of four boys and a girl easily borne
Backrests for reading and a place to decompress

The tree was home to many squirrels and birds
Its acorns have fed the quail, the turkey and the deer
I guess Aunt Bonnie’s favorites were the bluebirds
They brought happiness to the family year after year

The old oak has witnessed many family events
Births, deaths, illness, love, tears, and laughter
Looking back it is amazing what the tree represents
Strength, safety, home, family; the things that matter

The tree taught Bob, Sherman, Matt, Russ and Holly
About respect for family, for nature and for belonging
Soon it will teach Julia, Emma, Breck, Max and Sophie
Lessons Lauren, Spencer and Caroline are now learning

These thoughts bring questions that require a lot of meditation
Is it our family tree or are we the family of the ancient tree
In the scheme of things does it really matter what the relation
To live in harmony with each other and nature is the key