The Tree

Oh the stories I could tell

If you had the time to dwell

Underneath my branches as they sway

And create shade on a warm day.

♦

The loves that sat in the very spot

You choose today to stand and plot,

You could be listening to my stories

That warn of worries unnecessary.

♦

I’ve seen it all

From love, lust, and great falls.

My bark impressed with countless tales

Of hearts and names and even wedding vows.

♦

The hearts that broke

When someone spoke

Unkind thoughts

That were not provoked.

♦

The laughter, joy, and fun

While children did run

And play childhood games

 While shouting each other’s names.

♦

The smiles and tears

The hugs and the shrugs

The pain and the gain

The love from above.

♦

I’ve given to all

What they needed in time

But I’ve taken

All that was mine.

♦

The things that I’ve witnessed

Gave me sight to be seen

For without all the experiences underneath me

I would not be green.

♦

I’ve been nourished

Through them all

For even a tree

Has hopes and desires

To enjoy what’s free.

copyright Robyn Graham

The Tree

“We make a living by what we get, we make a life by what we give.” – Winston Churchill