Sturdy as the mighty oak, I withstood
drought, deluge, dishevelment, deliverance
my once vibrant leaves became crisp,
shattered, scattered, veins crumbled, crumpled
all that was left ... gnarled old roughened bark
revitalized, I am now trod, that old tree,
sawed, sanded, slatted, varnished
to perfection, reflection of owner's pride,
care is given to keep me supple, strong ...
cover me not; let my beauty shine,
sparkle and please all who see me
In the vast oaken families of ancestors,
descendents, those yet to root, while
our beauty be thrust out of rich soil
to praise the God who created us
we joy in our present, treasure our past.