Sun and rain, wind and snow In the memory of trees Long green grass grows far below Branches moved by breeze Flood and drought, fire and storm Did these old boughs mar These trees with time and trials formed Lithe and strong, yet scarred Branches stretching to the sky Reaching for the sun While far below the soil lie Roots entwined as one Birds on limbs and branches nest Bees in hives abide Squirrels in nooks and crannies rest Hiding nuts inside Hunts and wars, and lovers' trysts Encounters more than these From lifetimes past, do still exist In the memory of trees