Poetry

The Tree
By Julia A. Keirns

The tree was magnificent in all its green glory
Its limbs spread proud and true
Beautifully shaped and full of new growth
It stood tall against the blue.

Many a child it had seen evolve
In the seventy years in the yard.
Silently there but always aware
Some years were particularly hard.

The summer of 64 was the year
When the teenage boy ran away
The mother spent many a day in the shade
As the tree kept the sadness away.

82 was the year of the storm
When the tornado threatened its world
But the tree stood firm and survived the blow
Of the wind as it turned and swirled.

1994 was especially hard
When the collie named Shep had died.
Now buried below the tree by the rock
It watched as the young girl cried.

The wedding was beautiful all in white
As the daughter became a bride.
Out in the yard, under the old oak tree
Even the father cried.

The rocking chairs now sit on the porch
As the age of the parents shows.
The old oak tree looks worse for wear
But a new young tree seedling grows.

Copyright © Julia A. Keirns

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