The Old Tree

Brought to life by a little boy

Pushing through the soft soil

With a soft tender green Spine

I opened my eyes to sunshine.

Upon my sire’s face I remember

A smile, soft caring and slender.

He was beside me every day

Of every week, month, year and decade.

We started growing old together

Him being my guardian, my caretaker.

But the time flew by real fast

And soon I had an expanse vast.

My little baby fingers unfolded

Into hard branches they moulded.

And I stood there with welcome arms

To greet my friend with all charm.

But alas! The time did not comply.

My old man had to face his demise.

He was buried up against my feet

Clinging tightly to me in his sleep.

And now a big tree I stand

Without a sire without a hand

But still with a head held high

Under the beautiful moonlight.

Home to crows, ants and kites,

Squirrels, sparrows and termites,

I miss that boy; man; my friend of a kind

Who left me as his legacy behind.