A native of Austin, Texas, the author has been captivated by the historically rich landmarks of this capital city. When Texas was being settled, many treaties with the Indians were signed beneath the shade of an enormous oak tree which became known as Treaty Oak. A treasured landmark, Treaty Oak was poisoned by a man scorned by his lover. While the citizens of Austin expressed their emotion about the tree's demise and the stories and legends that were slowly dying with the tree, Keesee could only imagine the despair of the surrounding trees that had withstood the course of time with Treaty Oak. "The Mourning of the Trees" captures that emotion.

Listen, said the maple.
I have sad news to tell
about the strong and mighty oak
we've grown to love so well.
I know, said the willow.
I heard it in the breeze
that's come from all the whispering
among the other trees.
A landmark and a legend,
the sweet magnolia said.
I just can't believe his roots are still. I can't believe he's dead!

...Then the weeping willow
bowed his head and hushed the breeze,
and the birds hushed all their singing
for the mourning of the trees.