Season after season. I've gazed upon you through my window.
I've seen the snow hang low upon your branches. With white upon red berries. I've watched the snow melt away to reveal new buds, opening, ever so slowly, to leaves so green. In early Spring.
I've watched all the creatures hop, climb, and fly among your branches. I've watched the birds taste your blood-red berries. I've seen songbirds... Nuthatches, finches, and chickadees. Come to the feeders. That hang from you. I've seen the squirrels steal seeds from the birds. As their little paws unlatch a little hook. I've heard the birds sing among your branches. So sweetly. I remember when the chickadees built their nest in you, and then watched their young fledge. I remember the year the woodpecker came knocking at your trunk's door. As he drilled his beak into you. And made a hole. After that. You were never the same anymore...
I watched your life slowly end. Another year. Another season. More dead branches to be severed. Fewer buds. Fewer leaves. As your story slowly drew to a close.
Yesterday, they chopped down what was left of you. But I will always remember you. And I thank the Lord for the joy of beholding your beauty. Of watching your story. You have blessed so many creatures. Including me. Farewell, Beautiful Mountain Ash tree.