The twisted glory of the bark
Skin protecting the tree
Leading upward towards heaven
Where the roots long to be
From the wisdom
Seasoned through many
Summers, Winters, Falls and Springs
A journey the tree would never reach
Without bark to protect
Essential living systems
From temperature extremes
Bark safeguards from storms
As well as invasion by
Animals, insects and disease
Added horrendous tragedy
Always skulks  below
Before the tree reaches full growth
Some unearthly human may tear
Him down with a saw
This sapling has lost limbs
Of presence in the past
Yet, overcome and strengthened  
Endurance to last