That old tree can tell you things
Though not a sound will it make
Listen with your soul, my friend
You’ll hear it, make no mistake
It tells a tale of days gone by
A sapling, growing in the shade
Of two old giant oak trees
With leaves of sparkling jade
I remember a storm on a hot summer day
Blue fire from the sky
Nature telling one old oak
It’s now your time to die
Years went by and I kept growing
A sapling nevermore
A young, strong, tree with many arms
Planted in the forest floor
Now here I am, I’m older
Standing beside my ancient friend
His scars are deep and many
But old oaks always seem to mend
In this time I’ve learned so much
That I can share with you
More than offering a safe retreat
Or being part of a beautiful view
Watch my leaves, and when they turn
Their bottoms to the sun
I’m telling you it’s going to rain
And our visit will soon be done
Watch my clothes change color
Yellow, orange, gold, and red
I’m whispering to you softly
Get a blanket for your bed
And when I stand there naked
You may think I’m dead
But I’m just sleeping the winter away
Dreaming of summers ahead
When you see my arms start budding
And my birds begin to sing
Break off your winter shackles
And let’s celebrate the Spring
I breathe in, what you breathe out
And the reverse is just as true
You can’t live without me
And I depend on you
So, when the next time, you pass me by
Stay a little while
Let’s tell each other our stories
Leaving each other to smile.
M D Smith