Mrs. Tree
Old, rugged, worn.
How long have you been there, Mrs. Tree?
You stand so tall, so very stable.
As new growth climbs and entwines,
encircling itself in and around you.
You seem untouched. Firmly fixed.
What have you heard, Mrs. Tree?
The comings and the goings of life.
The laughter, tears, cries and triumphs.
Building up all around you.
Breaking down, falls and rubble.
Days and years passing.
Have you felt the sadness?
Or, rejoiced in the triumph?
Have you felt the frustrations?
Have you pondered or considered why?
How long have you watched as your friends,
your neighbours are destroyed?
What have you seen?
Generations come and go.
Littles run around your feet,
Aged rest in your shadow.
The young carve their hearts' intentions.
Who has noticed you?
Old and new.
Ancient and aged being replaced.
Yet, you remain still.
Years after years.
What was, is no more.
What is, will always be.
How many winds have run through your branches,
How many rains have rustled your leaves,
torn and tugged at you... made you dance?
Do you worship while you sway?
Do you know the hands and mind that made you?
Do you 'laugh at the days to come'?
How long will you be there, Mrs. Tree?
My time will have come and long gone by, I am certain.
Yet, there you are. Old, worn and rough.
Steadfast and sturdy.
With 'strength and dignity'.
There you will be.
Written July 2020
Proverbs 31
"For as the days of a tree, so will be the days of my people" Isaiah 65:22