Old Man Oak

In the nethermost region where your primal essence dwells

Where ever cherished memories have long since been forgot

Where memories of acorns fallen have faded as the autumn sun

And ravages of time and tide have resolutely fought

Vectoring outward, upward reaching eagerly hard and fast

Your flint likes stanchion bastion trunk and gnarled tendrils long

Unyielding into the celestial either

The golden azure heavens beyond

Energized by the pure firmament radiance

Bustling sun courses throughout your veins

Drinking deep the life giving waters ever ready to yield

Feel the sky open over you warmth of summer rains

Standing lone and proud among the fledgling saplings

What say you to them as they ask of days of old?

Who gathered like child around your majestic stature?

The beaten path beneath your bower now behold

How many young pink fingertips have gripped your age-old bark?

And scaled with reckless abandon your sinuses limbs erect?

Of saws and fastenings and wooden planks

Your rampart fortress walls now protect

How many giddy giggles and squeals of joy

Heard with paternal ears the knell?

Roaring rants and taunts of youth

Your mighty branches held

How many seasons have you grown wild

Watching waiting in silent sight?

Seasons turning skies wheeling

Under the transient starlit night

How many graceful harts have stolen?

Noiseless beneath your sheltering bows?

To cautiously sate their hunger

Your timely noble fruit allow

How many weary wayfaring strangers

Have wandered before your wizened face?

And paused to give reflection

Unto your timeless grace

From acorn to withered snag

Again one backward glance

May you never be forgotten?

Nor my love for you by chance