The Grand Old Tree!
I’m a very old pine tree that stands on this land.
I’ve been here more than 100 years, right where I stand.
I proudly stand on the perimeter protecting all other trees,
Especially those smaller ones from the strong breeze.
I feel very powerful and I’m looked up to by many, and
Been through violent storms and believe me, were plenty.
Oh sure, I lost a limb or two while I stood here.
But no where else I’d rather be, of that have no fear.
The old owners didn’t come around for a very long time.
But I kept on alert while standing protecting the pine.
One day some new people came and I was no longer alone.
They set up a camper, cook tent & looked very at home.
They came over to me and said I was a grand old tree.
I liked them immediately even when they hung a tire on me.
The children would swing and laugh with such joy,
I love those little children, the girls and the boys.
Oh, how I loved it when they came at summer time.
I’d watch them entertain and let those kids climb.
Then last year I started to feel tired and weak,
I didn’t know what was wrong, even my sap started to leak.
I heard the word beetles when the man looked at me.
Oh is that all, a little beetle as small as a bee?
I wasn’t frightened I was such a grand tree,
No little beetle is going to kill me!
That winter I died in the spot where I stood,
The beetles drilled holes all through my wood.
I turned brown and ugly in an instant it seemed.
I thought it was the end of me and all my dreams.
But when the family returned and came over to me.
I saw the tears in their eyes for me, this old tree.
They gently removed the tire swing from my branch,
And said something about giving me hopefully, a chance.
Those children that I loved so much and used to swing on me.
Would each get a part of this old tree.
Plaques would be made with their names engraved.
Out of the parts of me they carefully saved.
But that’s not the only dream they gave to me,
I’ll be a part of their log home for eternity.
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Be always safe,
Karen
Regis
(((HUGS))) and much love, your friend in Tx., Karen Lynn. :)
Very inspiring story-poem... "The Grand Old Tree!" touches and strikes the heart to pump fraternity.
I salute You, Poet.
Andre Emmanuel Bendavi ben-YEHU